March 14, 2003

Samford University's men's tennis team pushed Eastern Illinois to the brink of defeat Friday afternoon at the Samford tennis courts, but the Panthers proved to be up to the challenge, defeating the Bulldogs 4-3.

Because the teams played the singles matches first, the match was tied at 3-3 following James Bryce's tough loss at No. 6 singles. The doubles point appeared to be in Samford's reach after Raphael Bohli and Manuel Miletic won easily, 8-1, at No. 2. The Panthers again showed their mettle, winning No. 3 doubles 8-1. That left No. 1 doubles to decide the match. Travis Johnson and Joey Jensen struck first, breaking the Panthers for an early 4-2 lead. EIU was able to regain control and ultimately prevailed 8-6.

The Bulldogs (3-10) travel to Atlanta for a match against conference rival Georgia State at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Doubles

No. 1 Weber/Blankenbaker (EIU) def. Travis Johnson/Joey Jensen (Sam.) 8-6

No. 2 Bohli/Miletic (Sam.) def. Girardin/Priestner (EIU) 8-1

No. 3 Pluta/Sadler (EIU) def. Bryce/Griffee (Sam.) 8-1

Singles

No. 1 C.J. Weber (EIU) def. Raphael Bohli (Sam.) 7-5, 6-4

No. 2 Manuel Miletic (Sam.) def. Brandon Blankenbaker (EIU) 6-3, 6-3

No. 3 Lukaz Pluta (EIU) def. Joey Jensen (Sam.) 7-5, 6-1

No. 4 Andres Leal (Sam.) def. Colin Priestner (EIU) 6-2, 6-2

No. 5 Johnny Griffee (Sam.) def. Jason Girardin (EIU) 6-3, 6-4

No. 6 Matt Sadler (EIU) def. James Bryce (EIU) 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-4)

Final Score: EIU 4, Samford 3