FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University men's tennis team suffered a 5-2 setback against Big South Conference opponent UNC Asheville on Wednesday afternoon at the Lancer Courts in Farmville. Senior Giorgi Khmiadashvili/Tbilisi, Georgia and sophomore Harry Kelleher/Sydney, Australia led the Lancers with victories in singles play. Longwood will return to action on Thursday, March 14 when it travels to Winthrop for a 3 p.m. match.

“It felt like the match was much closer than the score,” said assistant coach Casey Wharton. “I thought that we matched up with them very well, and if given another chance to play them again, I wouldn't bet against us. In the end, I think we gave it our all, but today it just wasn't enough.”

Khmiadashvili defeated Adrien Langeard 6-2, 6-4 in the #1 singles position to score the first point of the day for the Lancers. Kelleher picked up his victory in the #4 position with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Alex Croker. Sophomore Daniel Elson/St. Austell, Cornwall, England and junior Edward Becker/Sydney, Australia were both defeated, 6-2, 6-1, at #2 and #3, respectively. Sophomore Steed Johnson/Ahoskie, N.C. lost in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-0) at #5 and freshman Justin Higgs/Nassau, Bahamas fell 6-2, 6-2 at #6.

In doubles play, Khmiadashvili and Elston played in the top position, but were defeated, 9-8 (7). Becker and Kelleher fell in the #2 position, 8-6, and Johnson and Sankar lost 8-6 at #3.

SINGLES
1. Khmiadashvili WON against Langeard 6-2, 6-4
2. Dan Elston LOST to Waissen 6-2, 6-1
3. Eddy Becker LOST to Kripah 6-2, 6-1
4. Harry Kelleher WON against Croher 7-5, 6-3
5. Steed Johnson LOST to Schubel 6-3, 3-6. 6-0
6. Justin Higgs LOST to Landan 6-2, 6-2

DOUBLES
1. Khmiadeshuili and Elston LOST to Langeard and Waissen 9-8 (7)
2. Kelleher and Becker LOST to Kripah and Schubed 8-6
3. Sankar and Johnson LOST to Croher and Landan 8-6