It was a tough match for the Hornets (2-12) who fell 7-0 to KSU in a day of close encounters.

"The score today wasn't indicative of the way we played.  We played very well and I was happy with the performance from the boys.  Tennis being such a tight sport, a point here or there can determine the outcome of the match and that's what hurt us today" said Head Coach Anuk Christiansz after the game.

Doubles play started in positive fashion, with an early service break at number two doubles putting them in control.  Playing in the extended format identical to that of last year, with doubles playing pro sets to eight games not six plus advantage scoring, the pairing of Takura Mlambo and Karlo Skvorc lost 8-6, handing KSU (5-5) the win having previously won at positions one and three.

Going into singles play down 1-0, the Hornets came out energetic and determined to fight for each point.  Although beaten, the Hornets didn't depart the court without leaving their heart out there, to go along with a lot of burnt rubber from the player's frantic footwork.

Of the matches, Ronald Mataba was the one closest snaring victory.  The junior, from Hatfield, England, produced moments of raw power, athleticism and touch as he covered all corners of the court before falling 10-7 in the third set tiebreak after splitting the first two sets.

Close singles matches at numbers two, three, four and six, courtesy of Mlambo, Mataba, Skvorc and Digvijay Naruka respectively, kept the Hornets in the encounter until the end.

ASU will have no time to dwell on the loss, as they swing back into action again tomorrow hosting the 62^nd ranked team in the nation, Troy University.  The match begins at the Olean Black Underwood Tennis Centre at 3 P.M.

Doubles:
1. Durham/Wendel (KSU) def. Cvik/Thompson (ASU) 8-4
2. Castellanos/Valencia (KSU) def. Mlambo/Skvorc (ASU) 8-6
3. Pritchard/Wilton (KSU) def. Mataba/Coyne (ASU) 8-4

Singles:
1. S. Pritchard (KSU) def. P. Cvik (ASU) 6-2 6-1
2. A. Valencia (KSU) def. T. Mlambo (ASU) 6-4 6-4
3. M. Castellanos (KSU) def. R. Mataba (ASU) 6-2 4-6 10-7
4. J. Bouchillon (KSU) def. K. Skvorc (ASU) 6-4 6-3
5. D. Durham (KSU) def. J. Thompson (ASU) 6-1 6-1
6. W. George (KSU) def. D. Naruka (ASU) 7-6 6-4