JIMMY LAFAKIS | SPORTS REPORTER | jlafakis@butler.edu

The Butler University men’s tennis team found themselves on the short end of the racket on Mar. 5. Ball State University defeated the Bulldogs 5-2 in Butler’s final match before spring break.

The Bulldogs squandered the doubles point to begin the match. Five of the six singles matches went to three sets, and freshmen Spencer Lang and Adrian Mag defeated their opponents at the No. 5 and No. 6 positions. Lang defeated freshman Marco Guzina  6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), while Mag ousted sophomore Jan Jirus 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

“We are learning that every match is close,” Lang said. “This loss stings, so we want to work hard and continue to get better every day so we’re playing our best tennis at the end of the season.”

The Bulldogs will take a team trip to Mexico over the week-long break. The stay will serve as a reprieve, but will also offer the team a valuable opportunity to refine aspects of their games.

“We will practice while in Mexico,” freshman Ari Gerstein said. “We will also take time to get healthy and enjoy a short break.”

Butler will return to action on Mar. 19 against the Morehead State University. The start of the match is to be announced.