CHARLESTON, Ill.- In his final match as a Panther, senior
Jeff Rutherford went out with a bang, but his effort wasn't enough for a win as the men dropped a tough 4-3 decision to Austin Peay in the regular season finale on Sunday.
The senior dominated all day long and won his final singles match in straight sets 6-1, 6-1 and his final doubles match with partner
Justin Haag 8-3.
At No. 5 singles on the men's side, sophomore
Matyas Hilgert lost a hard-fought match to Austin Peay's Renan Bezerra 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). The match sealed a 4-3 win for the Governors (3-4, 7-5 Ohio Valley Conference).
Freshman
Michael Sperry defeated his No. 6 singles opponent in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 to pick up the other singles win for EIU.
The Panthers (1-6, 4-15 OVC) were able to squeak out wins in No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, sealing the doubles point. Hilgert and Sperry picked up an 8-6 win at the No. 2 spot and
Jamie Firth and
Warren Race defeated their No. 3 doubles opponent 8-6.
Both the men's and women's team will not play in the OVC Championship to be held in Paducah, Ky. on April 16-18.
