FREDERICK, Md. – The Messiah College men's tennis team defeated the Hood Blazers on the road on Thursday afternoon. The Falcons picked up a 9-0 sweep over the Blazers and moved to 1-0 in the MAC Commonwealth.

In doubles action, Alex Mantsevich and Andrew Bookman had a dominant performance in the number two spot and defeated their opponents 8-1. Connor Graybeal and Galen Fitzkee (no. 1 doubles) were tested but were able to pull out a 9-7 win over the Blazers. Bryson Boettger and Keller Martin won by default.

Andrew Bookman (no. 4) cruised to victory in singles play and defeated Shawn Sullivan 6-0, 6-1. Galen Fitzkee (no. 2) also found success by defeating his opponent 6-1, 6-1, while Alex Mantsevich (no. 3) and Connor Graybeal (no. 1) picked up wins for Messiah. Mantsevich won two straight sets (6-4, 6-3) while Graybeal dropped his first set 1-9 but bounced back to win 7-5 (10-8). Once again, Bryson Boettger (no.5) and Keller Martin (no. 6) won by default.

Messiah will be back in action Saturday, Apr. 7 when they travel to Lebanon Valley College for a 1:00 p.m. start.