SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana men's tennis team started its season with a pair of matches, falling short of victory against MIAA North Division opponents Emporia State and Newman. Both Saturday's match against Emporia State and Sunday's match against Newman resulted in close 4-3 losses.

Emporia State 4, Augustana 3

The Vikings had a tough go in their first conference match, having a battle against Emporia State that lasted nearly seven hours. The Hornets were able to take the doubles point, winning all three matches. 

In singles play, three Vikings had wins in freshman Henry Dornbusch at No. 1 singles (6-2, 6-2), junior Cade Damgaard at No. 2 singles (7-6, 6-4) and junior Tyson Cowger at No. 6 singles (6-4, 3-6, 10-7). 

The Vikings had numerous close matches, with freshman Justin Karcher falling to his opponent in No. 3 singles by scores of 6-2, 4-6, 6-0.

Newman 4, Augustana 3

Augustana started the day by claiming the doubles point, winning two of three matches. Justin Karcher and Nick LaPoint won 6-3 in No. 2 doubles while Tory Shafer and Tyson Cowger won No. 3 doubles by way of a 6-2 score.

Karcher and Henry Dornbusch were the two Vikings with single victories. Dornbusch had his second win of the weekend in No. 1 singles, this time winning in 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 fashion. Karcher won No. 3 singles, besting his opponent 6-4, 6-4.

Up Next

The men's tennis team heads to Grand Forks, North Dakota, for a match against UND on Saturday slated for a 4 p.m. start time.

–GoAugie.com–