On Friday, the Franciscan University men's tennis team improved to 3-0 in conference play, downing the University of Pitt.-Greensburg 8-1.

Doubles play commenced just after 4:00 p.m. on a rainy afternoon. Senior David Freytag and freshman Jack Galla made quick work of their No. 3 doubles opponents; the pair is still perfect in conference play on the year, and left their court with the 8-0 win before the completion of four games on any other court.

No. 2 doubles duo sophomore RJ Watson and junior Connor Jooste had their work cut out for them on court one. After going down 2-0, it was Watson's consistent serving and Jooste's ability to finish points at the net which kept them in the match. Momentum finally swung their way, and they won eight of the next 11 games for the 8-5 victory.

Jarek Sulak struggled to get his serve going at No. 1 doubles. Together with fellow junior John Gallagher, the pair finally leveled the match at 3-3 courtesy of a timely service break. Sulak finished decisive points at the net when it mattered most, and quality service returns put the match away 8-4.

Up 3-0, things were looking good for Franciscan after doubles. At No. 5 singles, Jooste quickly erased whatever inconsistency plagued his doubles match; he dispatched his opponent 6-0, 6-0 in a quick demonstration of adept serving and baseline accuracy.

Singles specialist freshman Walter Matt didn't miss many serves en route to a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory at No. 6 singles. He outlasted a streaky opponent on the far court, and soon joined Jooste on the sidelines with a win.

At. No. 2 singles, Gallagher shook off early nerves in a tight 6-4 first set, before finishing points at the net and achieving greater depth in the second. His 6-1 second set victory saw the junior return to form after uncharacteristic singles inaccuracies against Otterbein and Mt. Aloysius opponents.

After taking his first set 6-1 at No. 4 singles, Watson found points harder to come by in his second set. He eliminated errors in the back half of his second set, moving his opponent from corner to corner and capitalizing on a solid service day, finishing off the set and the match, 7-5.

Freytag matched up well against an ambidextrous opponent at No. 3 singles. The team captain's 6-1, 6-2 win showcased his baseline patience and net closure, crucial game elements postseason play approaches.

At No. 1 singles, Sulak was locked in a struggle with his baseline-dominant opponent. His attempt to even the match after a tough 6-4 first set loss were initially off to a promising start: the junior responded to his opponent's service break with a break of his own, then held for 2-1. Down the stretch, he was outlasted by his opponent's sheer consistency and shot depth, and gave up the second set and the match 6-4.

The Barons next take on non-conference opponent Bethany College on Tuesday at 4 p.m.