CHATTANOOGA --- The Chattanooga Mocs men's tennis team suffered a tough 4-3 decision in Southern Conference action to Samford on a breezy Saturday afternoon at the UTC Tennis Center on campus.
 
Following the loss, Chattanooga has dropped its last three and moves to 3-3 inside the SoCon and 5-15 overall. Samford improves to 5-12 overall and a likewise 3-3 in league play.
 
"This as a disappointing loss for us at home after playing a strong doubles point and taking three first sets in singles," head coach Chuck Merzbacher said following the result. "I give Samford the credit for turning the momentum."
 
After winning the opening doubles point in impressive fashion, the Mocs just fell short in singles play with two of the matches going into tiebreak mode. UTC earned victories at No. 3 and No. 6 with Simon Labbe (6-2, 6-1) and Ryan Mudre (4-6, 7-6, 6-4) claiming responsibilities.
 
"We have a lot to play for in our last two matches here at home, and we know we can position ourselves in a good seed for the SoCon Tournament if we take care of what is in front of us," added Merzbacher.
 
Chattanooga returns to action on Tuesday, April 12 when it hosts non-conference and in-state foe Austin Peay at 2:00 p.m. ET at the UTC Tennis Center. Live stats/results will be available for the match and can be found on the schedule page.
 
Samford 4, Chattanooga 3
4/9/2022 at Chattanooga, Tenn. (UTC Tennis Center)
 
DOUBLES
1. Tomas Rodriguez/Peyton Gatti (UTC) def. M. Ali Bellalouna/Jim Hendrikx (SAM) 6-2
2. Kerim Hyatt/Kaisei Kuroki (UTC) def. Yerrassyl Murat/Harrison Williams (SAM) 7-5
3. Simon Labbe/Jordan McClure (UTC) def. Eladio Fabregas/Matthew Gooch (SAM) 6-3
 
SINGLES
1. M. Ali Bellalouna (SAM) def. Tomas Rodriguez (UTC) 6-2, 7-6
2. Jim Hendrikx (SAM) def. Kerim Hyatt (UTC) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
3. Simon Labbe (UTC) def. Eladio Fabregas (SAM) 6-2, 6-1
4. Yerrassyl Murat (SAM) def. Peyton Gatti (UTC) 6-1, 7-6
5. J.B. Pickard (SAM) def. Jordan McClure (UTC) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
6. Ryan Mudre (UTC) def. Harrison Williams (SAM) 4-6, 7-6, 6-4
 
MATCH NOTES
Samford 5-12, 3-3 SoCon
Chattanooga 5-15, 3-3 SoCon
Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (3,4,1,5,2,6)

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