Box Score (PDF)

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - The George Mason University men's tennis team battled a talented IUPUI (10-4) squad to open its annual spring break and pushed the Jaguars to the brink before falling 4-3 on Tuesday morning at the PTR Springfest.
 
"The guys battled hard today but couldn't pull out a couple of momentum-changing points," head coach Jimmy Davis said. "We had opportunities in every match and just couldn't quite capitalize but I'm really happy with how the guys competed. We're still adjusting to the new timing being outdoors but there is a lot to build on from this match and we're looking forward to taking some momentum into tomorrow's match."
 
In the doubles point, Mason's No. 1 tandem of sophomore Ryan Charles and senior Pally Ray got off to an excellent start, knocking off their competitors 6-2 at the top position. The win improves them to 4-2 in dual doubles as a team this season.
 
Elsewhere, juniors Jakob Nielsen and Edward Ayers played well at No. 2 doubles but ultimately dropped a 6-4 decision. The Jaguars took the doubles point with a win at No. 3 as well.
 
In singles, the Patriots won all three of the top singles matches. Ayers continued his strong play with a victory at No. 1, taking down IUPUI's Alex Jochim in straight sets (6-2, 6-4). He is now 4-3 in dual play so far this season.
 
Ray also won at No. 2 in marathon fashion over Sean Bailey. He claimed victory in 7-6 tiebreakers in eac of his two sets. The Georgia product won his first set tiebreaker, 8-6, and won the second, 7-5.
 
At No. 3, Nielsen took down Moreheart of IUPUI in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to give Mason another point in singles.
 
But the Patriots could not get the clinching point, despite a strong opportunity at No. 6. Amir Alkhafaji went the distance in that one, including a 6-2 victory in the second frame. But he could not come out on top in the third, falling 6-1.
 
Mason returns to action at the PTR Springfest on Wednesday (March 13) with a match vs. NC Central. First serve is set for 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Center.
 
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