DENVER, COLO. - The Western Illinois men's tennis team faced Denver in Summit League action on Saturday, March 28. The nationally ranked Pioneers were too much for the Leathernecks, as Denver claimed a 7-0 decision. Western falls to 0-16 (0-4 Summit League) on the season with the defeat, while No. 41 Denver improves to 11-7 (2-0).
The Pioneers quickly jumped out to an early lead as they swept the doubles point.
Nikola Pavlovic and
Surya Sawhney teamed up at the No. 1 spot, and fell, 8-3. At the No. 2 position,
Jacob Sanders and
Ross Smith dropped a 8-0 decision. The final doubles match was forfeited by Western Illinois.
In singles action, Denver earned victories in all six matches. Sawhney dropped the first set of his No. 3 match, 6-3, before falling in the second set, 6-0.
Christoph Haertel battled injury and was forced to retire at the No. 2 slot, trailing 3-0 in the opening set. The No. 1, 4, and 5 matches all went in favor of Denver, 6-0, 6-0. Denver also earned a victory by default at the No. 6 slot.
Western returns to action on Friday, April 17, as the Leathernecks hit the road to face Fort Wayne in Summit League action. First serve is set for 12 p.m.
