The Utica College men's tennis team lost to Empire 8 Conference rival Hartwick College 7-2 Wednesday at the Hartwick tennis courts. The Pioneers started off strong with two victories in doubles play but were not able to pick up a win in singles.

With the loss the Pioneers overall record drops to 1-6 this season while the Hawks improved to 7-7 and secure a spot in the upcoming Empire 8 Tournament with five conference wins.

The Pioneers would not go quietly on the afternoon as they took a 2-1 lead after doubles play.  Shaun Kaleta and Thien Doan teamed up to defeat Matt Whitty and Peter Dumas (9-8, 7-2), while senior Gonzalo Carrascal and freshman Gonzalo Salama won 8-3 against Sean Barr and Michael del Rosario.

Gonzalo Carrascal was the only Pioneer who took his match to three sets in singles. After losing the first set 6-1, Carrascal came back to take the second set in a tie-breaker, 7-1, setting the stage for a third and deciding set. Hartwick's Matt Whitty would come through to claim the singles win, 10-5, in a tiebreaker.

The Pioneers return to action on April 25, when they host Elmira College in Empire 8 play. The match is set to start at 1 p.m.

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