Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings men's tennis team faced several quality opponents in their season debut at the Grand Canyon University Invitational this weekend. While the Yellowjackets' men's team started slow they ended their weekend on a high note, as they defeated No. 41 Sonoma State 6-3.

The Yellowjackets faced four opponents, two of which were nationally ranked. Grand Canyon came in ranked No. 10 and Sonoma State held a No. 41 ranking, in the Nov. 16, 2012 ITA national Preseason Rankings.

MSU Billings fell 8-1 against the highly ranked Antelopes. Christian Fischer defeated Yann Kaelin (3-6, 7-5, 11-9) for their lone point in the match. Against Fresno Pacific, Fischer and Brad Knutson defeated Sinitsyn/Sanchez 8-6 in their doubles match; while Brandon Beardsley won his singles bout against Karlman (7-6, 6-4) to tally two points for MSUB, but the Sunbirds ultimately defeated the Yellowjackets 7-2.

Just as it seemed MSUB would come up short in the GCU Invitational they put together an aspiring performance in their final match against Sonoma State. The Yellowjackets came out strong, with quick victories at one and three doubles. Navin Marimuthu followed with a hard fought win in a third set match tiebreaker at No. 2 singles. Fischer (No. 2 singles), Beardsley (No. 4 singles) and Kavindu Gamage (No. 5 singles) all posted solid wins.

"We came on this trip knowing we would be facing tough national level Division II competition,” stated head coach Lew Kosich. “We strongly challenged Grand Canyon, with four matches going to tie breaks, but couldn't close. We had a similar experience against Fresno Pacific and Azuza Pacific. Today we came on to the courts with a high degree of determination and dedication, and had a solid victory over a nationally ranked team. I am pleased with our efforts in Phoenix, and our growth as a team. We will continue to work and improve as we move toward our RMAC season.”

MSUB men's team will host Montana State University on Thursday, Feb. 14 for their first home match of the 2013 season. The event is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. in the MSUB Tennis Bubble.

*Note* Scottsdale Community College canceled the Feb. 5 match