MEDFORD, MA. - Competing in the second round of the NCAA DIII Men's Tennis Tournament, the Swarthmore men's tennis team were taken down by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, falling to the Engineers by a score of 5-4 on Saturday, May 6.
 
Struggling early, the Garnet only saw a win in one of three doubles matches, going into singles down 2-1. Despite capturing two victories to kick off singles play, Swarthmore's comeback fell short, ultimately losing 5-4. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Doubles:
- The Garnet took an early 1-0 lead in doubles play, thanks to a dominant 8-5 win from the pair of first year Andres Fente/sophomore Max Pogorelov in the No. 2 seeded match.

- Unfortunately, that success would not last, as the duos of first year Michael Melnikov/first year Utham Koduri (8-6) and junior Charley Force/junior Rushil Patel (8-4) fell in the No. 1 and No. 3 slots respectively.

- With the losses, Swarthmore went into singles play down 2-1. 

Singles:
- Despite faltering in doubles, the Garnet rocketed out to their first lead of the match at 3-2 thanks to two quick wins. Melnikov wiped the floor with his opponent in the No. 1 seeded match, coming out on top 6-2, 6-2, while fellow first year Aamish Pal took down his MIT foe in straight sets in the No. 6 slot, putting up an impressive scoreline of 6-4, 6-3.

- The Engineers struck back, taking wins in the No. 2 and No. 4 matches over Force and first year Lalith Suresh and seizing back a 4-3 advantage.

- Fente prevailed in the No. 5 slot shortly after, legging out a grueling three set contest that he won 6-2, 6-7, 7-5 to even the playing field at 4-all.

- Ultimately though, Swarthmore's efforts were not enough, as first year Max Lindstrom fell in the No. 3 match by a score of 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, sealing the Garnet's 5-4 loss.