The No. 8 University of Redlands men's tennis met a formidable foe in the 10th-ranked Wesleyan University (CT) Cardinals on Friday afternoon on a beautiful day at Verdieck Courts.  After suffering an uncharacteristic doubles sweep, the Bulldogs battled back in singles but came up short in a 3-6 decision.

Wesleyan got the ball rolling by earning points at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles before Redlands pushed the visitors to the brink at the top slot.  Unfortunately, the Maroon and Gray lost a tough tiebreak, 9-8(3).

While facing an uphill battle, Redlands gained its first point at the No. 6 slot, as freshman Avery Davis (Jensen Beach, FL) came away with a 6-4, 6-2 victory.  After the Cardinals answered with a win at No. 3, the Bulldogs refused to go quietly, with senior Parker Wilson (Carlsbad, CA) cruising by his No. 2 opponent in a 6-4, 6-4 showing to make it 2-4.  Sophomore Chase Lipscomb (Irvine, CA) kept the Maroon and Gray alive at No. 1 with his exciting three-set win by scores of 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.

Now trailing 3-4 with two matches remaining, Redlands fought until the bitter end but came up short in three sets at Nos. 4 and 5. 

Redlands (7-2) faces a quick turnaround with two matches on Saturday, March 18.  The Bulldogs host No. 23 Sewanee: University of the South at 10 a.m. and then take on former Bulldog Zack Hasenyager's squad, the College of Wooster, at 2 p.m. on Verdieck Courts.