GRANTHAM, Pa. – The University of Scranton men's tennis team (0-1) dropped a close 5-4 decision to the Messiah Falcons (1-0) to open the Fall 2021 campaign on Saturday afternoon at the Criste Courts in Grantham.
Senior James Harrington (West Chester, Pa./Malvern Prep) and junior Patrick O'Mara (Pleasantville, N.Y./Archbishop Stepinac) gave the Royals an early lead with an 8-4 victory in No. 1 doubles play. Scranton led 2-1 after doubles play as senior Sal Sullivan (Binghamton, N.Y./Seton Catholic Central) and junior Steven Prosperino (Brewster, N.Y./North Salem Central) also picked up an 8-5 win in the third doubles flight.
Following an undefeated campaign in singles play last spring, Harrington remained unbeaten in his Royals career with a 6-1, 6-1 win in No. 1 singles over Jarod Snader. At No. 2 singles, junior Nathan Tauber (Bethlehem, Pa./Nazareth Area) dropped a three-set heartbreaker (3-6, 6-2, 4-6) to Messiah's Connor Rose.
Sophomore Jason Budrys (East Hanover, N.J./Hanover Park) also picked up a singles victory for the Royals in No. 5 singles with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Michael Sell in No. 5 singles.
The University of Scranton men's tennis team returns home to host Marywood in non-conference action at the Royal Courts on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
--ROYALS--
