SIOUX CITY, Neb. – The Carleton College men's tennis team returned to action for the first time in three weeks and dropped a non-conference match at Morningside University (Iowa), 5-2.
 
The contest was played using the NAIA scoring format. Doubles matches were six-game sets with the team that wins two or more of the doubles contests earning a signle team point.
 
The Knights dropped to 5-2 on the season and have now lost consecutive matches for the first time since March 25 and April 9, 2022.
 
The Mustangs (7-0) jumped ahead with victories at No. 1 and No. 3 doubles, earning the first team point of the afternoon. Yuv Kataria and Baiyun Jing were locked in a tight battle at the second slot before falling 7-6.
                                                     
Morningside added singles wins at No. 1, No. 3, and No. 4 singles before tacking on a 5-7, 7-5, 1-0 (10-3) victory at No 5 singles.
 
Carleton's team points came from gritty performances from Jack Rivkin and Baiyun Jing. The former rallied from a set down to win at No. 6 singles 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), while the latter clawed his way to a 6-4, 4-6, 1-0 (10-6) triumph, improving to 5-1 on the season.
 
"We all needed some supplemental oxygen after Baiyun and Jack took our breath away with their amazing performances," said Carleton head coach Stephan Zweifel.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will head to Hilton Head Island, S.C. for its annual spring break trip. This year's schedule includes five matches from March 17-23.