The doubles point proved to be the difference in 4-3 loss by the Wabash College tennis team in its first match in California on Monday. The Little Giants lost to the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California in the first of four matches that the team will play in the Los Angeles area this week during spring break.
Wabash opened with an 8-6 win at number one doubles when seniors Mike Lynch (Evansville, IN/Evansville North) and Constantine Alexander (Kokomo, IN/Kokomo) took the victory. But an 8-2 loss at number two doubles and an 8-5 decision at number three gave the team point to the Beavers.
Lynch earned a 6-4, 6-2 victory at number one singles, while Alexander came back with a 6-3, 6-4 victory at number two singles. A win by freshman Adam Van Zee (Logansport, IN/Logansport) at number six singles (3-6, 7-5 {6}) gave Wabash three team points. But the Beavers took the points at the remaining matches to hold on for a one-point victory.
Wabash falls to 5-5 with the loss. The Little Giants continue their California trip on Tuesday with a 2 p.m. (PST) against the University of La Verne.