CINCINNATI, OHIO – If the opening dual in 2017 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action is any indication, it could be a nip-and-tuck battle throughout.

Manchester University captured the ever-important doubles' point to upend Mt. St. Joseph University on its home courts 5-4 Saturday, April 1. Senior Stratton Smith (New Palestine, Ind.) and junior Isaac Collis (Alexandria, Ind.) joined the duo of junior Kyler Love (North Webster, Ind.) and freshman Dalton Bailey (Bourbon, Ind.) for wins at number one and number three that tipped the scale the way of Coach Eric Christiansen's crew.

In singles action, Smith and Love wound up 2-0 on the day, claiming wins at number one and number three in three sets each. Junior Garrett Bear (Indianapolis, Ind.) added a victory at number five and did so in straight sets.

The Black and Gold, improving to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the league, continue conference play, welcoming rival Anderson University in their spring home opener Wednesday, April 5, at 4:30 p.m.

Doubles

Stratton Smith/Isaac Collis (MU) def. Nathan Clark/Guy Watkins, 8-4
Cooper Wade/Ian Stutz (MSJ) def. Connor Eichenauer/Garrett Bear, 8-6
Kyler Love/Dalton Bailey (MU) def. Ben Montez/Cody Tallon, 8-5

Singles

Stratton Smith (MU) def. Nathan Clark 6-1, 4-6, 6-0
Cooper Wade (MSJ) def. Isaac Collis 6-4, 6-1
Kyler Love (MU) def. Guy Watkins 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
Ian Stutz (MSJ) def. Connor Eichenauer, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4
Garrett Bear (MU) def. Ben Montez 6-1, 6-2
Cody Tallon (MSJ) def. Gavin Eads 6-1, 6-2