Penn struggles against Bearcats

For the second straight match, the outdoors weren’t kind to the Quakers.

Penn was handed its second loss in as many matches at Lott Courts, with Binghamton taking advantage of every opportunity yesterday to earn a 4-3 win.

“This team was one of the best teams all year,” said coach Nik DeVore. “We could hold our heads down, but I think our guys realized we faced a really strong team.”

It was a battle from the very beginning as the doubles matches came down to the wire. But as has been the case for the Quakers (10-4) for much of the season, the doubles teams struggled, with only the No. 2 pair of Phil Law and Jason Magnes able to get a win, 8-3.

Binghamton (14-1), however, was expected to be a tough opponent. Ranked No. 74 in the nation, the Bearcats entered yesterday’s match with eight straight wins.

Although they extended their streak to nine, it was not without a fight. Four of the six singles went to three sets, and the doubles point was won on a tiebreak.

“We had two match points with No. 1 doubles,” said DeVore. “That match was just a couple points from going either way.”

Despite the loss, the Quakers are looking forward to Ivy League play and hope to use yesterday’s match as a learning experience for a tough Ivy season that begins Saturday against Princeton.

“I think we’re pretty prepared,” said DeVore. “I think everyone thinks they’re competing well and if we could figure out a way to just close out the doubles point, we’re going to be in good shape going into the Ivies.”

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