March 16, 2002

LOGAN, Utah - In a shortened match, Utah State lost to Sacramento State 4-1 in men's tennis action on Saturday. The match included just four singles matches and one doubles match as the Hornets needed to catch a plane to return home.

The Aggies, now 5-11, played solidly throughout the match, but failed to win a singles match. All five matches went three sets in the hotly contested match against the defending Big Sky Conference champions. Three USU players won the first set of their individual matches, only to fall in three sets.

The Aggies' doubles tandem of Jordan Butler and Steve Peterson posted a three-set win by a score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. The momentum from that match carried over to the beginning of singles play as USU came out of the gate early.

Andy Madersbacher, Jason Trask and Sam Harris all posted first-set wins, while Clayton Thomas lost his first set 7-6. USU struggled in the second sets to force the third set in every match.

Utah State will return to action on April 4 when the Aggies play at Weber State. USU's next home match will be April 5 against Portland State.

SACRAMENTO STATE 4, UTAH STATE 1

Singles

#1 - Sherif Zahar (SAC) def. Andy Madersbacher, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

#2 - Nick Sheehan (SAC) def. Clayton Thomas, 7-6, 6-7, 10-3

#3 - Ali Abbou (SAC) def. Jason Trask, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

#4 - Josh Price (SAC) def. Sam Harris, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5

Doubles

#1 - Jordan Butler/Steve Peterson (USU) def. Matt Jones/Fabio Jesus, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3