WACO, Texas – The Lamar University men's tennis team (2-1) suffered its first loss of the season dropping a 7-0 decision at No. 11 Baylor Sunday afternoon at the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Complex.
 
The Cardinals put up tough battles on all three doubles courts before Baylor got the point, and LU forced two three-setters in singles competition.
 
"Baylor is one of the top teams in the country year in and year out, but I thought our guys came ready to play," said head coach Scott Shankles. "I thought every one of our guys competed extremely hard one through six, and in doubles. I was proud of their effort, energy and unwillingness to back down.
 
"Max (Milic) and Joan (Crespo) played great today. The facts are, we compete to win, but I feel like we can take today's match and build from it," added Shankles.
 
The Cardinals dropped the doubles point but put up strong efforts on all three courts. Max Amling and Filippo Salsini squared off against one of the nation's top duos in Zsombor Velcz and Tadeas Paroulek (No. 59). The nationally ranked Bears' duo posted a 6-2 victory to secure the doubles point.
 
With the Bears taking the early lead, the two teams transitioned to the singles courts. The Bears took first-set leads on five of the six courts. Amling won his opening set 6-4 over the nation's No. 23 ranked singles player, Finn Bass.
 
While Amling took the lead at No. 1 singles, freshman Joan Crespo battled back from an opening set loss to tie his match at one set apiece. Unfortunately for Big Red, the Cardinals were unable to pick off a match on the other courts as Baylor recorded the shutout.
 
The Cardinals return to action Friday when they travel to Fayetteville, Ark., to take on the Razorbacks. The match against Arkansas will begin at 4 p.m.