Jan. 21, 2000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The University of Memphis men's tennis team (0-1) opened its season with a 4-2 loss to UT-Chattanooga at Middle Tennessee State University, Friday.

Freshman Ben Stapp, who just joined the Tigers in January, was responsible for two of Memphis' victories as he defeated Tomi Winnig, 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 at No. 3 singles. The Australian native also teamed with junior Alistair Todd to win their No. 1 doubles match, 8-4.

Two other Tigers extended their opponents to a deciding third game. Sophomore Richard Magney won the first set of his No. 1 match 6-4 before losing 6-3, 7-6 in the deciding games. Junior Chris Buckley also won his opening game, 6-4, before falling 6-1 and 7-6.

Junior Jack Hu and sophomore Michael La Haie won their No. 3 doubles match, 8-2.

The Tigers remain in Murfreesboro and will play host MTSU, Saturday at 11 a.m. MTSU was ranked No. 68 in the nation at the end of the fall season and is playing its first tournament in its new indoor stadium in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders defeated Troy State, 8-0, to open the tournament.

Following the MTSU match, the Tigers will play Troy State at 3 p.m.

SINGLES RESULTS

Jordan Goetzman (UTC) d. Richard Magney (UM) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6
Jesse Koti      (UTC) d. Alistair Todd  (UM) 6-4, 6-3
Ben Stapp        (UM) d. Tomi Winnig   (UTC) 7-6, 5-7, 7-6
Jason Ontag     (UTC) d. Jack Hu        (UM) 7-5, 7-6
Fabian Bechara  (UTC) d. Chris Buckley  (UM) 4-6, 6-1, 7-6

DOUBLES RESULTS

Todd-Stapp     (UM) d. Ontog-Winnig        (UTC), 8-4
Goetzman-Koti (UTC) d. Buckley-Magney       (UM), 8-4
Hu-La Haie     (UM) d. Becharra-Tom Lokken (UTC), 8-2