STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Washington & Jefferson College men's tennis team (4-8, 4-1) dropped a tight 4-3 decision on the road to the Franciscan Barons (3-12, 1-3).
 
The doubles point came down to the third match. Senior captain Jackson Akers (Logan, W. Va./Logan) and freshman Colby Peters (Williamsport, Pa./Loyalsock Township) picked up a close 6-4 win at No. 3 doubles to force the decider. The Barons ultimately took the doubles point, winning a 7-5 set in the deciding match.
 
The bottom of the lineup picked up crucial points for the Presidents to keep the team in the dual. Senior captain Nate Clarke (New Kensington, Pa./Valley) earned a straightforward 6-3, 6-2 win at No. 4 singles. Junior Nick Bussard (New Kensington, Pa./Valley) came through with a 6-4, 6-2 win at the No. 6 position. Finally, Peters battled to a three-set victory to pick up the third point. The freshman won with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 scoreline.
 
The Presidents return to the Janet Swanson Tennis Center on Thursday (April 9) to take on the conference leading Grove City Wolverines. Doubles matches will be slated for 4:00 p.m.