ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Saint Leo men’s tennis team (3-18, 0-6 SSC) dropped their final regular season match of the season, 6-3, to the No.41-ranked Eckerd College Tritons, Friday evening from the Turley Athletic Complex in Sunshine State Conference action.

The Lions found themselves down 2-1 after doubles play. And despite two singles victories, the Lions could not muster enough energy to top the Tritons.

The Lions one doubles win came at the No. 2 position where Pablo Chavez and Richard Maclachlan upended Bonner and Thunberg, 8-6. Michael Calloway and Jose Morales narrowly missed defeating Walker and Kleefield at No. 3 doubles as the exchange of points eventually ended on the side of the Tritons pair, 9-8 (7-3).

Singles play gave way to one of the best singles victories by a men’s player all year when Chavez defeated No. 26 Ben Maxwell in three sets. Chavez dropped the opening set 6-2, but rallied for 6-4 win in set two. It set up a thrilling third and final set in which the two exchanged points, eventually forcing a tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, Maxwell could not keep up with an energized Chavez as he claimed the set and match win, 7-3. 

Maclachlan was persistent in his match but lost in straight-sets, 6-4, 7-6 (6-2). The Lions added their third and final point at No. 6 singles as Tim Balz-Herrmann claimed a straight-sets win over McDonald, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

The squad will get a few days break before preparations begin for the Sunshine State Conference Championships which start on Sunday, April 15. Opponents and times will be announced at a later date. Florida Southern will act as the host for the event.