April 16, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Bethune-Cookman men's tennis team was looking for some of “Hail Mary” type experience against three-time defending South Carolina State in Friday's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament semifinal.

Sometimes miracles need more time than what the Wildcats had as the Bulldogs posted a 4-0 victory to end the Wildcats' season at 8-11.

After a 4-2 victory over Morgan State in the opening round, B-CU had to quickly regroup and face the Bulldogs later that afternoon after the tournament's schedule was rearranged for possible inclement weather.

“We came out against South Carolina State with a lot of intensity for the first 35 minutes, but our tanks were running dry,” said B-CU coach Trey Bogue. “We were trying to pull the Hail Mary and just couldn't get it to go.”

Earlier, B-CU overcame losing the doubles point to Morgan State by posting straight set victories in three of the four singles matches and getting a three-set win from freshman Santiago Lobelo at No. 3 singles.

 “We didn't play our best in doubles but were able to rally,” Bogue said. “Santiago's win was impressive and I'm looking forward to having him with us the next three years.”

In the women's competition, Delaware State posted a 4-1 victory over B-CU in the opening round. Katarina Szaboova registered the Wildcats' lone point at No. 1 singles.