The Lipscomb men’s tennis team got back on track on Friday with a 4-2 win over Ball State.

Lipscomb (3-7) was able to get ahead early by winning the doubles point on its way to snapping its three match skid.

“Today was a great effort by the team to work together and really represent the culture we talk about,” Lipscomb assistant coach Geoff Hernandez said. “We had a strong fighting spirit, and that makes us proud. The best part about today was that everyone contributed to the win.”

Daniel Cardenas and Jorge Ortegon got the Bisons on the board early as they pulled out the 6-3 win at the second doubles line.

After getting down a break at the third line, Thais Minet and George Wong rallied to a 7-5 win to give Lipscomb the point advantage heading into singles play.

“The doubles was crucial today,” Hernandez said. “George and Thais did a great job at 3. They were loud and fought back from being down a break to clinch the point.”

Lipscomb continued their strong play into singles play, getting wins at the first, second and fourth lines.

At the top spot, Alejandro Manzanares defeated Lucas Andersen 6-4, 6-3. After having to step into the top spot in the order two weeks ago, the junior has won his last two matches.

The Bison coaching staff know what Manzanares is capable of so his success at the top line comes as no surprise.

“We know Alejandro is a good enough player to win at one, and today he acted that way,” Hernandez said. “He was professional and focused against a strong player.”

Lipscomb has also had to rely on players stepping up into new spots as the season has caused injuries to other players. One of those is freshmen Victor Chaw, who stepped in as the second seed on Friday and came away with a convincing 6-0, 6-2 win.

Jorge Ortegon, another freshman, has also proved to be up to the task as he came battled to a three-set victory over Marko Guzina 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

With just one more week until conference play starts up, getting back in the win column was big for the Bisons’ confidence moving forward.

“Getting that winning taste is what we need before we head on the road, so we are going to keep working hard to build on each match going into conference.”

The Bisons are back in action next week as they travel to North Carolina for matches against UNC-Ashville and Gardner-Webb.

Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics

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