The University of Redlands men's tennis team hit the courts on Tuesday afternoon for a non-conference showdown against the No. 19 University of Mary Washington (VA) Eagles. The Bulldogs battled back to tie it up at four apiece but fell short in a 4-5 decision between two annual foes that always provide an entertaining and intense match.
After the Eagles nabbed the first two points at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles, the Maroon and Gray answered with an 8-6 showing at the top slot by junior Brad Cummins (Rancho Mirage, CA) and sophomore Brysl Libao (Redlands, CA).
However, Mary Washington won the first singles match off the court to take a 3-1 lead. Senior Chase Lipscomb (Irvine, CA) answered the call for Redlands by topping his No. 1 counterpart, 6-1, 6-2.
The teams continued to trade points in the next two results, with Cummins prevailing by scores of 7-5, 6-1 at No. 3 for Redlands.
Now trailing 3-4, the Bulldogs needed all remaining matches to complete the comeback. Libao came through at No. 5 with a 7-5, 6-3 showing to even the tally late in the match. But the Eagles rallied to win the three-setter at No. 4 for the final point.
Redlands (0-2) continues its homestand during Spring Break by facing Rhodes College (TN) on Thursday, March 7, at 11 a.m.
