The Oles took the first two double matches to pull even after a 4-2 showing in the singles matches. However, in the number three doubles match, Macalester gained the deciding win, outscoring St. Olaf 5-4.

On the Ole front, number one doubles partners Ryan Pederson ‘08 and Pat Curran ‘08 took their match, defeating Spencer Edelman and Aaron Heerboth from Macalester 8-2.

Mike Matsuura ‘06 and Chase Donaldson ‘07 also defeated the Scots, 8-4 in the number two doubles slot over the Nick Werth and Andrew Kessel. Unfortunately, David Gruner ‘08 and Drew Erie ‘08 were defeated 9-7 by Macalester’s Tobin Kaufman-Osborn and Eric Brandt in number three doubles.

The Oles were less successful in their singles competition, taking only two of the six matches.

Pederson led the Oles in his number one singles competition, winning his match 6-3, 4-6 and 10-6 over Edelman. In number two singles, Erie fell just short of a win against Heerboth, succumbing 6-3, 7-6.

Macalester’s Kaufman-Osborn defeated Matsuura 6-3, 4-6 and 10-7 in number three singles. The second Ole victory for singles was at number four, where David Harris ‘07 downed Kessel of Macalester 6-2, 4-6, 10-7.

The 2005 season draws to a close beginning on Friday in St. Peter, Minn., the site of the Gustavus-hosted 2005 MIAC men’s tennis championship.

The Oles are currently seated in seventh place in the MIAC with a 3-7 league record and a 3-9 overall season record.

Gustavus holds the top spot in the league with a 9-0 MIAC record, 23-4 overall. After the Gusties trail Carleton, St. Thomas, Concordia and St. John’s, with MIAC records of 8-1, 7-2, 5-3 and 5-4, respectively.

Although the Oles’ record does not provide a high position for the team this weekend, the team nevertheless hopes to produce a strong finish to their season.

Last year, the team entered the tournament ranked seventh, but upset Concordia in their last match 5-4 to finish in fifth place.

The MIAC tournament competition will start at 9 a.m. Friday and continue through Saturday.

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