Fredericksburg, Va. - The Battling Bishop men's tennis team opened its 2014 spring schedule over the weekend with a trio of matches hosted by the University of Mary Washington. Wesleyan's youthful squad, currently ranked #20 in the nation, fell to its nationally and regionally ranked opponents but saw a trio of freshman make their dual debuts, led by Elias Kerem who went 2-1 in both singles and doubles play.

Wesleyan opened up with a 7-2 loss to Denison on Saturday morning. Kerem was a straight-set winner at #5 singles, while Mikhail Konnov and Peter Hviid teamed for an 8-4 win at #1 doubles.

The Bishops followed up with a tough 5-4 loss to Vassar later in the day. Kerem was once again a winner in straights, as were sophomore Eduardo Ugalde at #4 singles and freshman Philipp Vylegzhanin in the 6th slot. Kerem and Ugalde also teamed for an 8-5 win at #3 doubles.  The Bishops narrowly missed the win, seeing Konnov and freshman Ben Tolhurst suffer three-set defeats at #1 and #3 singles, respectively.

Finally, NCWC wrapped up play with an 8-1 loss to a talented UMW squad on Sunday morning. Kerem and Ugalde secured the Bishops' lone point with an 8-5 win at #2 doubles.

Wesleyan looks to rebound at home on Friday when the Bishops host their USA South Conference opener versus Averett University. The match is slated for a 3:00pm start at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Center.