Men's Tennis | 3/9/2010 8:31:17 PM

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - The Methodist men's tennis team started the day with a 9-0 shutout of Wittenberg University before falling 7-2 to St. Lawrence University.

The Monarchs opened a commanding lead after doubles with three wins. Matthew Taylor and Robert Clayton won 8-3 at number one and Reid Baker and Steven Burkett won 8-3 at number two. Ricky Aybar and Steve Strawn finished with the 8-5 win at number three.

Methodist finished the sweep with six straight singles wins. Taylor won 6-0, 6-4 at number one and Clayton won 6-4, 6-2 at number two. Eric Smith won 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) at number three and Warren Robinson won 6-4, 6-2 at number four. Burkett won 6-0, 6-1 at number five and Brad Tulenko added a 6-4, 6-2 win at number six.

The Monarchs followed up with a match against St. Lawrence. The Saints took a 2-1 lead after doubles. Taylor and Clayton won 8-6 at number one. Baker and Burkett lost 8-1 at number two and Aybar and Strawn lost 8-3 at number three.

Taylor lost 6-4, 3-6 (10-8) at number one and Clayton lost 6-3, 6-0 at number two. Baker and Smith lost 6-2, 6-1 while Robinson lost 4-6, 7-6 (9-7), 10-8. Burkett earned the Monarchs' other win with a 6-1, 6-3 win at number six singles.

The Monarchs have off on Wednesday before taking on Trine and Mount Union on Thursday.

Box Score 1
Box Score 2