Wittenberg tops DC on day two of Spring Break trip

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Yellow Jacket men's tennis team had its three-match winning streak halted on Monday, as the Wittenberg Tigers defeated Defiance 7-2 on the second day of play at Hilton Head.

To begin with doubles action, the Purple and Gold's top-two pairs of Mike Ross (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) and Ryan Nelson (Oregon, Ohio / Clay) and Cord Speelman (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) and Justin Walker (Oak Harbor, Ohio / Hunt) each fought competitive battles but fell 8-5 and 8-6, respectively.

However, the freshman duo of James Demeo (Oregon, Ohio / Clay) and Tory Savage (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) continued their pair's success in 2014 with an 8-5 win in third doubles. Their record is now 4-1 this season when playing together.

Then in singles competition, Nelson was the only Yellow Jacket to come out victorious with a thrilling third-set tiebreaker win. The junior won the first set 7-6 (7-5) and then was downed 2-6 in the second. But the Oregon, Ohio native racked up the victory by taking the third frame 10-7.

Demeo was another member of DC to post a strong outing on the day. The freshman also took his match into a third frame, but came up short in the tiebreaker 10-5. It was Demeo's first loss in singles play this season.

Defiance will look to get back to its winning ways tomorrow Tuesday, March 10, when it goes up against Ohio Athletic Conference foe Marietta. Action is scheduled for 12 p.m.