March 24, 2006

LOGAN, Utah - A shorthanded Utah State's men's tennis team lost Friday to Montana State, the No. 1 ranked team in the Big Sky Conference. With the 6-1 loss, Utah State fell to 8-6 on the season.

Utah State's Joao Pinho, who regularly competes at the number two spot, didn't play because of sickness. "Everybody had to step up today and I'm proud of their effort. They really battled," remarked Head Coach Christian Wright. "It was an evenly played match. A few key points got away from us here and there, partly due to us, and partly due to Montana State's play."

Bryan Marchant recorded his team-high ninth win of the year. He was the lone Aggie to earn a point in singles play with a 7-6, 1-6, 6-1 victory at the number three spot. Bryan Marchant and Michael Banks won in doubles play to improve to 6-2 on the season as doubles partners.

Utah State will resume competition Saturday as it hosts Loyola Marymount at 1:00 p.m.

MONTANA STATE 6, UTAH STATE 1

Doubles

#1 - Gebicki/McDonald (MSU) def. Tyden/Young 8-4

#2 - Chigateri/Ueltschi (MSU) def. Zelle/Netto 8-6

#3 - Marchant/Banks (USU) def. Berriochoa/Hauck 8-4

Singles

#1 - Ueltschi (MSU) def. Zelle 6-2, 7-6

#2 - Gebicki (MSU) def. Young 6-3, 6-3

#3 - Marchant (USU) def. McDonald 7-6, 1-6, 6-1

#4 - Chigateri (MSU) def. Netto 6-1, 6-1

#5 - Dybala (MSU) def. Tyden 6-1, 6-3

#6 - Hauck (MSU) def. Banks 6-7, 7-6, 11-9