The Eastern University men's tennis team played its second match in as many days on Wednesday afternoon. After opening their 2010 home schedule yesterday with a 9-0 win over Rosemont College, the Eagles fell short to Neumann College 6-3.

"We need to cut down on unforced errors," explained head coach Mark Spangler. "We had several tight matches today but we just fell short. If we can become more consistent and improve our doubles play; specifically our net game, we'll definitely continue to be competitive."

Brian Arnett was a double winner for the Eagles. In the second doubles match, Arnett and partner Dan Wilson found themselves down 6-5 late in the match. However, the tandem was able to rally back to a 7-6 advantage. In the final set Arnett and Wilson broke the 100 mph serve from Neumann's Brian Crispin to win the match 8-6.

"Brian and Dan's win at second doubles was huge for us," praised Spangler. "After first and third doubles we were down 2-0 overall in the match and their win kept us in the hunt going into singles play."

Arnett carried his doubles success over into his singles match, defeating Greg Bridgeman 6-1, 6-0 at second singles. Also picking up a win in singles play was Tyler Hoagland who defeated Greg Christiansen 6-2, 6-3 at fifth singles.

Eastern nearly picked up two more wins in singles play. At first singles, Jordan Gates picked up a first set win 6-4, but fell in the second set 6-1. Gates battled through cramping issues but ultimately fell in the super tie breaker 10-6. Wilson nearly forced a super tie breaker himself as he battled Crispin in a back and forth second set. The senior from Gladwyne, Pa. dropped the first set 6-4. He then proceeded to tie the second set at six games a piece but ultimately fell 7-5 in the first to seven tie breaker.

Wednesday's match marked the second time in 2010 that the Eagles have faced a defending conference champion in their non-conference schedule. Spring break opponent Lebanon Valley College won the Commonwealth Conference, while Neumann picked up the Colonial States Athletic Conference championship in 2009. 

The Eagles return to the courts on Monday, March 22 in another home match against Alvernia University at 3:00 PM.