The No. 11 University of Redlands men's tennis team opened the 2018 spring season with a pair of exhibition matches on Saturday, earning split results.  While competing under gorgeous conditions on Verdieck Courts, the Bulldogs defeated the Firebirds of Arizona Christian University by a score of 6-3 before having the tables turned by Azusa Pacific University in a 3-6 loss.

Against ACU, the Bulldogs stormed out to a 2-1 lead in the doubles with stellar showings at Nos. 1 and 2.  Junior Chase Lipscomb (Irvine, CA) and sophomore Brad Cummins (Rancho Mirage, CA) got things started with a decisive 8-1 at the top slot while senior Joey Dulle (St. Louis, MO) and first-year Brysl Libao (Redlands, CA) cruised to an 8-2 victory in their debut as the No. 2 tandem. 

In singles, first-year Cameron Krimbill (Scottsdale, AZ) notched the inaugural win by downing his No. 2 opponent, 6-2, 6-2.  Although ACU came out on top at No. 4, the Bulldogs quickly answered with Dulle's 6-1, 6-1 showing at the No. 3 position to make it 4-2.  Redlands sealed the deal when Lipscomb rallied back to top his No. 1 opponent in three sets, 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. 

In addition, first-year Noah Morrow (Stevenson Ranch, CA) registered another Bulldog point at No. 5 with a 7-6(3), 6-4 result.

The Bulldogs went right back to work against Azusa Pacific in the afternoon tilt.  This time, Dulle and Cummins combined forces as the No. 1 tandem and registered an 8-6 victory to get things started for Redlands.  Lipscomb and Libao repeated this effort at No. 2, while Krimbill and senior Cooper Lacetera (Westhampton Beach, NY) made the most of their opportunity at No. 3 with an 8-5 victory.  With the doubles sweep in hand, the Bulldogs remained optimistic for continued success in singles.

However, APU had other plans, as the Cougars roared back with efficient matches in five of the six slots, which resulted in the 3-6 loss for the Maroon and Gray.  Cummins stepped into the singles line-up at No. 6 and forced his opponent to a super-breaker, 6-3, 1-6, 10-6.

Redlands looks forward to traveling to Walla Walla, Washington, for three matches on Friday, February 9, and Saturday, February 10.  The Bulldogs take on host Whitman College in Friday's 3 p.m. contest.