CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Western Illinois Men's Tennis team fell by a 7-0 score to in-state rival Southern Illinois on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Sports Blast.

The Fighting Leathernecks (2-5) managed just two set wins against the Salukis (3-1) as they dropped their fifth match in a row after starting the season 2-0.

Patrick Hammers and Alejandro Buceta each earned first set wins at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively. Hammers ultimately fell in three sets (2-6, 6-1, 6-1) while Buceta also lost in three (3-6, 6-2, 6-0).

"Patrick and Alejandro each won the first set of their matches before succumbing in three sets to very talented international players," said Western Illinois head coach Chris Kane.

Jeff Cote dropped his match at the No. 1 position (6-4, 6-4) while Mandela Shepard went down in straight sets (6-1, 6-4) at the No. 4 spot.

"After losing the doubles point, I was pleased with how we competed in singles," said Kane. "Jeff  was up 2-0, serving 30-15 in the second set but lost a very close, incredibly well-played match 6-4, 6-4. His opponent was the #144 ranked player in the world, so he wasn't exactly playing a slouch. Southern Illinois' No. 1 would have played at the top of the lineup for any team in the country."

Jim Capalbo dropped his match at the No. 5 position (6-0, 6-0) while Ben Yue lost (6-4, 6-4) in his first singles action of the season at the No. 6 spot.

In doubles action, the team of Cote/Hammers fell at the No. 1 position (8-2) while the No. 2 duo of Buceta/Shepard managed to get slightly closer in defeat (8-6). The No. 3 team of Capalbo/Yue fell by a final count of 8-4.

"We had our chances today, but to win the team match we had to win all four of those close matches," said Kane. "That's a tall order, but I'm pleased our players fought hard and gave every bit of effort they possessed."

The Leathernecks will return to action with two matches next weekend against Marquette (March 5) and Drake (March 6) in Des Moines, Iowa.