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MARIETTA, Ga. – The Kennesaw State men's tennis team continued its dual match schedule on Saturday and fell 4-3 to South Carolina State at Fair Oaks Park in Marietta.
 
It was another tight match for the Owls (1-3) who had to battle back from losing the doubles point after they lost at No. 1 and No. 2 doubles. The No. 3 tandem of Jake Bouchillon and David Durham defeated Jiri Sitburek and Stanislav Baco, 6-2.
 
"We lost against a tough opponent and fell just short in doubles," Kennesaw State head coach Eduardo Rincon said.  "We failed to execute when we needed the most in doubles. We played well but lacked decisiveness when we needed it the most.  In order for us to beat a team like South Carolina State, Florida Atlantic and East Carolina we cannot hesitate when it's time to close matches."
 
Sophomore Jorge Wilton scored Kennesaw State's first point of the match after recording a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Daniel Vala at No. 3 singles. However, after the Bulldogs claimed a win at No. 4 singles, South Carolina clinched the victory when Martin Figura topped Bouchillon, 6-4, 6-4, at No. 6 singles.
 
Freshman Simon Pritchard defeated Jiri Sitburek, 3-6, 6-5 (5), 10-2, at No. 1 singles and freshman David Durham posted a three-set win over Marius Dragoi, 6-4, 3-6, 6-5.
 
"We started slow in four out of six matches and South Carolina State gained a lot of momentum," Rincon said. "Jorge Wilton gave us a little lift after he won his singles match but we were in too deep of a hole.  We showed a lot of fight and tenacity. We need to continue to enjoy the process as I believe this team will find its stride down the stretch." 
 
Kennesaw State returns to action on Friday, Feb. 4, when it travels to Montgomery, Ala., to take on Florida A&M beginning at 2 p.m. (ET).
 
Keep up with Kennesaw State Athletics by following KSU on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook. You also can follow Kennesaw State men's tennis at @KSUMensTennis.
 
NCAA Division I Men's Tennis
February 8, 2014
South Carolina State at Kennesaw State
Fair Oaks Park, Marietta, GA
 
South Carolina State 4, Kennesaw State 3
 
Doubles
No. 1 Martin Kobza/Soufiane (SCS) def. Simon Pritchar/Maksim Yorsh (KSU); 6-5 (4)
No. 2 Daniel Vala/Martin Figura (SCS) def. Jorge Wilton/Louis Theodor (KSU); 6-1
No. 3 Jake Bouchillon/David Durham (KSU) def. Jiri Sitburek/Stanislav Baco (SCS); 6-2
 
Singles
No. 1 Simon Pritchard (KSU) def. Jiri Sitburek (SCS); 3-6, 6-5 (5), 10-2
No. 2 Martin Kobza (SCS) def. Louis Theodor (KSU); 6-1, 6-0
No. 3. Jorge Wilton (KSU) def. Daniel Vala (SCS); 6-1, 6-4
No. 4. Stanislav Baco (SCS) def. Maksim Yorsh (KSU); 6-4, 6-4
No. 5. David Durham (KSU) def. Marius Dragoi (SCS); 6-4, 3-6, 6-5 (6)
No. 6. Martin Figura (SCS) def. Jake Bouchillon (KSU); 6-4, 6-4
 
Order of Finish: Doubles: 2, 3, 1; Singles: 2, 3, 4, 6, 1, 5
Records: Kennesaw State (1-3), South Carolina State (1-2)