BRYAN, Texas – Freshman Joshua Taylor picked up a singles victory at Texas A&M but Lamar University struggled to find offense on any of the other courts dropping a 6-1 decision Tuesday afternoon. The match which was originally slated to begin at noon was moved to a 2 p.m. start on indoor courts in Bryan.
 
"The end result didn't go our way but this was our best match of the year," said LU head coach Scott Shankles. "All of our guys played so hard. There was a huge difference in our body language and team spirit today compared to the past weekend. This is a type of match that can change how our season will go. It was nice to see Josh get a win today. He really turned around his game today."
 
The Cardinals put up a good fight at No. 3 doubles behind the play of junior Brock Lauer and sophomore Carlos Paton Canal. The match was tied at 4 heading into the ninth game, was halted following Texas A&M's victories at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles.
 
The Cardinals' victory came from Taylor on court No. 5. The Manchester, England native, defeated Pranav Kunar in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. While Taylor put the Cardinals on the scoreboard, classmate Axel Vila Antuna forced his match against Austin Abbrat to a third set. Unfortunately, Abbrat edged out a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 decision.
 
Big Red failed to score a point on the remaining singles courts, but they had their opportunities. Sophomore Arthur Serafim and A&M's Jack Pulliam battled to a tiebreaker in the opening set on court number 4, with Pulliam picking up a slim 8-6 decision to take the opening set. Pulliam held on in the second set for the point.
 
It was a similar scenario in the second set at the No. 2 singles position. After dropping the opening set, sophomore Nicolas Mayr was trying to force a third. Mayr's efforts came up just short falling to Alex Vedri, 6-3, 7-5.
 
"This is the type match that can change how a season goes," said Shankles. "It was nice to see Josh get a win today. He really turned his game around this afternoon. Axel played a close three-set match against a nationally ranked opponent. At No. 2, Nico was up a break in the second but fell just short. Arthur had three or four set points in the first but just couldn't put it away."
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they travel to Stockton, Calif., to compete in the Mountain Pacific Invite. The opponents for the two matches have not yet been determined.