Alfred, NY – The EC Men's Tennis team took down a tough Alfred University team, 6-3, Wednesday afternoon on the road. The Soaring Eagles improve to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Empire 8 play, while the Saxons fall to 4-7 overall and 1-2 in conference action.  

In doubles action the Soaring Eagles controlled most of the tempo earning early leads across all three courts. Gorav Simlote '13 and Steffan Waters '13 put pressure on the Saxon's second doubles team earning an 8-3 victory. Satchal Waters '16 and Austin Mansell '16 took it to the Saxon's at the third doubles spot earning a huge lead. The Saxons were able to battle back, but Waters and Mansell would close it out late 8-5. The Saxon's first point came at the first doubles spot beating out Keith Bujak '15 and Sam Pine '14 8-5. 

In singles action the Saxons continued to battle well, but the Soaring Eagles were too tough as they took four out of the six matches. Mansell and Bujak made quick work of their opponents winning at the fifth and sixth singles spots by identical scores of 6-0, 6-0. Alfred controlled the tempo at the third spot taking it 6-2, 6-3, and put forth tremendous effort to take the fourth spot in a third set tiebreaker 6-7(3-7), 6-4, 10-7. Clinching the match for the Purple and Gold was veteran Simlote who demolished his opponent in the first set, 6-1, and fought from behind to win late, 7-5. At the first singles spot was Pavle Vashakidze '16 who played impressive. After falling in a quick first set, 6-2, he challenged back to take the second and third sets by identical scores 6-3.   

The EC Men's Tennis team will have a busy weekend as they host Roberts Wesleyan College on Friday, Oswego State University on Saturday, and Nazareth College on Sunday at the Murray Athletic Center. Friday's game will start at 4:00 p.m., Saturday's and Sunday's games will start at 1:00 p.m.