Elmira, NY -- The EC Men's Tennis team lost another tough conference match to the Saxons of Alfred University, 7-2, Thursday at the Murray Athletic Center. The Saxons improve to 8-5 overall and 1-2 in Empire 8 play, while the Soaring Eagles fall to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference action.
 
The Soaring Eagles started down 2-0 again due to forfeits at the third doubles and sixth singles spot. However, EC battled back once again looking to take one of the doubles matches. Gorav Simlote '13 (Syracuse, NY -- Jamesville-Dewitt) and Sam Pine '14 (Elmira, NY -- Thomas Edison) fought tough at the second doubles spot, but were not able to claim a victory falling 8-5. Eric Klinedinst '12 (York, PA -- Northeastern) and Steffan Waters '13 (Elmira, NY -- Elmira Free Academy) played hard at first doubles, but Alfred prevailed easily 8-2.
 
In singles action each match was played close with not many opportunities for either team to get a lead. George Smith '13 (Watseka, IL -- Granite City) and Waters were the long winners for EC in singles each having to go to three sets. Smith won the first set in close fashion 6-4, then dropped the second easily 2-6 and pulled it together late in the third winning 6-4. Waters, also forced to go three sets, was down for most of the match but was able to pull it together late in the second and rallied in the third set tiebreaker to win 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-8). Also playing well at third singles was Pine who lost a tough three set match 6-4, 0-6, 6-7 (7-10).
 
The EC Men's Tennis team will return to action Saturday, April 14^th hosting Utica College in another conference battle starting at 1:00 p.m.