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Falcons Open Spring Season Early, Fall To Shepherd Indoors
Posted: 2/23/2008
Box Score | More Men's Tennis news
Senior William Tanis teamed with freshman Jansen Hein to grab the squad's only point Saturday.

Zullinger, PA — The two-time defending MAC Commonwealth Champion Messiah College men’s tennis team had a difficult opening to its spring season Tuesday afternoon, dropping an 8-1 decision to NCAA Division II Shepherd University.

With prior planning making this a scheduled indoor match in Zullinger, Pa. — Shepherd hails from Sheperdstown, W. Va. — the “perfect” conditions seemed better suited for the Rams, as both clubs were opening their official spring seasons.

Messiah (0-1) was led by senior William Tanis and freshman Jansen Hein at the number two doubles position, as the tandem recorded the Falcons only point of the match with an 8-6 win over Shepherd’s Felipe Oliveira and Roger Torres. Messiah’s other doubles teams were taken down by 8-4 and 8-6 counts, while all but junior Sam Shorts were defeated in straight sets in singles play. Shorts dropped a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 match to Shepherd’s Andy Bosco in the number four singles match, avenging a Shorts’ win against the same opponent last season.

“We knew this match would be difficult for us, as we haven’t got the type of practicing in yet that we’ll need to be successful this spring,” said Frank Petre, Messiah head coach. “But you have to start somewhere, and Shepherd is a very solid Division II program. We’ll continue to improve as we go along.”

Senior Jonathan Siemen was the Falcons’ next closest individual to break through the scoring column, taking the Rams’ Torres to a 7-5, 6-1 contest in the number two singles flight. No other Messiah player was able to win more than two games in any set.

The Falcons will next travel to Hilton Head, S.C. for its annual spring break trip, playing a total seven matches against varying NCAA Division III and NAIA programs. The team will depart for warmer locations Thursday, Mar. 14 and return Mar. 22. Messiah will open play against NCAA Division III St. John’s University (Collegeville, Minn.) Saturday to begin its odyssey.