Orlando, Fla. – Montana State Billings men's Tennis team continues to improve as they anticipate the start of their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule. The Yellowjackets had a strong showing in their spring break tournament in Orlando, Fla. as they defeated Bellarmine University and Cedarville University.

Match 1: MSUB – 5  Bellermine University – 4  

MSUB triumphed 5-4 over the Knights with outstanding efforts at No. 5 and No. 6 singles. Kavindu Gamage defeated Nathan Walroth 6-4, 6-4; and freshman Josh Hedderig rallied after being down 5-1, to win in three sets to lift the Jackets to a 4-2 advantage going into the doubles matches. Christian Fischer showed strongly again at No. 2 singles with a hard fought 6-4, 7-5, straight set victory over Igal Mostkov. At No. 4 singles, Brandon Beardsley fought off a first set loss to walk away with a 6-1 third set win. Beardsley and Hedderig combined to clinch the match with an 8-2 win at No. 2 doubles.
“The guys played well against a tough competitor,” stated head coach Lew Kosich. “There are still many things to work on as we move forward; but we played tough, and are showing consistent improvement.”

Match 2: MSUB – 3  Ohio Dominican University – 6

The Yellowjackets suffered a setback in their second day at the Lake Cane Tennis Center, losing 6-3 to Ohio Dominican University. Fischer continued his strong play, partnering with Navin Marimuthu to win a No. 1 doubles tiebreaker against Walid Gtari and Tyler Johnston. He also went on to win his match at No. 2 singles 6-4,6-1 versus Johnston. Beardsley posted the remaining Jacket win with a 4-6, 6-1, 1-0(6) come back performance at No. 4 singles.
“One of the defining capacities of a competitive tennis player is the capacity to sustain performance,” Kosich said. “Some of the guys came out flat following yesterday's victory, and never got going. We have to learn to play tough every match.”

Match 3: MSUB – 9  Cedarville University – 0

MSU Billings bounced back in their March 7 match, dominating the Yellow Jackets 9-0. Marimuthu and Fischer started the day off with a victory at No. 1 doubles. He continued the momentum at No. 1 singles defeating Rabinov in straight sets 6-0, 6-2. Hedderig completed the sweep, turning Gardiner away 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6 singles.
 
“Much better performance today; the guys came out with a purpose, and stayed focused,” stated Kosich.

Match 4: MSUB – 3 SDSU – 4
The Yellowjackets lost a close match to Division I opponent South Dakota State University. The Jackrabbits dominated doubles, sweeping all three matches. In singles, MSUB split 3-3 with the opposition. Fischer continues his brilliant tournament run, winning the No. 2 singles bout against Parker Lawley. Beardsley and Gamage also had solid outings, winning their No. 4 and No. 6 singles matches.

“We have challenged ourselves all season with very tough competition,” stated Kosich. “South Dakota State was a strong team that came on to the courts and took it to us in doubles. We got back on our feet in singles, but could not make up for the lost doubles point.”

Match 5: MSUB – 3  Wayne State University – 6

MSU Billings started strong in their Wayne State bout with Marimuthu and Fischer picking up the 8-4 doubles win over Aman Gill and Mohamed Fazyl Kechai. They also won their singles matches, as Marimuthu defeated Gill 7-5, 6-1 in No. 1 singles; and Fischer completed a perfect tournament mark at No. 2 singles, turning away Kechai 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) to finish 5-0 in Orlando, Fla. These would be the only points that the Yellowjackets could muster as the Warriors won the event 6-3. MSUB now falls to 3-9 overall on the year.

“Overall, I am disappointed in our performance this trip,” Kosich said.  “We had many opportunities, but failed to convert, including a 4-3 loss to Division I South Dakota State. We have a lot of work to do to be ready for our RMAC matches. Despite our team performance there were a couple of bright spots; with Fischer going unbeaten at No. 2 singles, and Beardsley going 5-1 in his singles matches. As a team, we need to take inspiration from that and move forward.”

The Jackets will have three weeks off before they start their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule at home against Colorado Mesa University on Friday, March 29.