Lexington, Ky. – The Transylvania men's tennis team got off to a strong start before falling to the Manchester University Spartans by the final score of 6-3 at the Transylvania Tennis Courts on Saturday morning.

Prior to the match, the Pioneers took time to celebrate the careers of their three seniors: Luke Groene, J.T. Henderson, and Eric Sandknop. 

After the duos of Dylan Moore and Brandon Stofleth, and Edis Sinanovic and Henderson both lost 8-2 in No. 2 and No. 3 doubles respectively, the Pioneers picked up their first victory of the day when the team of Groene and Sandknop earned a hard-fought 8-4 victory at No. 1 doubles.

The Pioneers were rolling early in the singles portion of the match. Groene picked up a 6-1, 6-4 victory at No. 1 singles followed by a dramatic 7-6, 6-3 victory for Moore in No. 2 singles.

However, the Spartans regrouped and earned four straight victories at No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 singles to earn the 6-3 overall victory.

The loss drops Transylvania's record to 3-9 overall and 2-4 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play, while the Spartans improve to 4-3 in conference and 4-7 overall.

The Pioneers now face a quick turnaround as they travel to Franklin, Indiana to face the Franklin College Grizzlies on Sunday, April 29. The matchup between the Pioneers and the Grizzlies is set for 12:00 p.m. at the Mickel-Hoover Tennis Complex.

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Manchester 6, Transylvania 6

Singles competition

1. Luke Groene (TU) def. Isaac Collis (MU) 6-1, 6-4

2. Dylan Moore (TU) def. Connor Eichenauer (MU) 7-6, 6-3

3. Isaac Miller (MU) Eric Sandknop (TU) 6-0, 6-3

4. Kyler Love (MU) def. Brandon Stofleth (TU) 6-0, 6-4

5. Spencer Thomas (MU) Edis Sinanovic (TU) 6-1, 6-0

6. Garrett Bear (MU) J.T. Henderson (TU) 6-1, 6-2

Doubles competition

1. Luke Groene / Eric Sandknop (TU) Isaac Collis / Spencer Thomas (MU) 8-4

2. Connor Eichenauer / Isaac Miller (MU) def. Dylan Moore / Brandon Stofleth (TU) 8-2

3. Kyler Love / Garrett Bear (MU) Edis Sinanovic / J.T. Henderson (TU) 8-2