LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Longwood University men's tennis team fell, 4-3, against North Carolina Central University (1-4) in a neutral site contest on Sunday in Lynchburg. The Lancers were led by the efforts of junior Steed Johnson/Ashokie, N.C., who earned a victory in the No. 3 singles position, while also earning a doubles win with sophomore partner James Fudge/Kaarst, Germany. Longwood (1-5) takes to the courts again next week on Sunday, February 23 against William and Mary (7-5) in Williamsburg beginning at 5 p.m.

"Today was a very tough battle both mentally and physically," said head coach Jakob Gustafsson. "We did not come close to our normal level today, but still had several chance to win this match. Credit to NCCU for never quitting, and neither did we, but one team had to lose. In tomorrow's practice, we will show that we are better than today's result. There is no doubt in my mind we will bounce back and perform better on all levels and on all courts for our next match. Dealing with this adversity is something we can all handle."

Johnson battled through a three-set match at No. 3, topping Tamina Kienka 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. Sophomore Justin Higgs/Nassua, Bahamas had the only other win in singles play, also in a three-set match (6-7 (8), 6-4, 7-5) in the No. 5 position for the Lancers. Junior Daniel Elston/St. Austell, Cornwall, England dropped a three-set decision (6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5)) at the No. 1 spot, while senior Edward Becker/Sydney, Australia fell 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2. Freshman Warren Bryan/Greensboro, N.C. also faced a setback that went the distance (6-4, 4-6, 7-5) in the No. 4 position before sophomore Bharani Sankar/Glen Allen was defeated 7-6 (7), 6-2 at No. 6.

In doubles play, Elston and Becker faced an 8-4 setback to Daniil Gerasimov and Stephan Charles-Donatien. The Lancers rallied, however, with a pair of wins to pick up the point, as Bryan and Sankar won 8-5 in the No. 2 position, and Fudge and Johnson pulled out an 8-5 win in the No. 3 spot.

Singles
1. Elston LOST against Gerasimov 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5)
2. Becker LOST against Charles-Donatien 6-1, 6-1
3. Johnson WON against Kienka 6-3, 3-6, 6-2
4. Bryan LOST against East 6-4, 4-6, 7-5
5. Higgs WON against George 6-7(8), 6-4, 7-5
6. Sankar LOST against Persico 7-6(7), 6-2

Doubles
1. Elston/Becker LOST against Gerasimov/Charles-Donatien 8-4
2. Bryan/Sankar WON against Kienka/East 8-5
3. Johnson/Fudge WON against Persico/George 8-5