GRANTHAM, Pa. - The Messiah men's tennis team dropped their first match of the season Saturday afternoon to the visiting Wilkes University Colonels 6-3. The Falcons were led by Galen Fitzkee, who won both his matches on the day with a victory at No. 1 doubles (with Andrew Bookman) and a hard-fought victory at No. 2 singles. The third win for Messiah came at No. 3 singles from Jarod Snader over Jack Maline (6-2, 6-3).

They will be back in action on Thursday afternoon when they travel to Williamsport, Pa. to take on Lycoming College at 3:00 p.m.

Doubles Play
The Falcons fell behind early in doubles play after a loss at No. 2, but the aforementioned No. 1 doubles win by Galen Fitzkee and Andrew Bookman over Cole Gibson and Matt Angara (8-3) tied things up for the time being. Wilkes then picked up the win at No. 3 doubles to send it to singles play with the Colonels leading 2-1.

Singles Play
Messiah tied things back up after a big Jarod Snader win at No. 3 singles (6-2, 6-3) to make it 2-2 before a loss at No. 1 singles for Messiah followed by a Fitzkee win at No. 2 singles (6-4, 6-3) tied it at 3-3. This put all eyes on the No. 4, 5, and 6 courts. Unfortunately for Messiah, they dropped all three courts in hard fought action to fall in the match 6-3.

Inside The Box Score
After the first two matches, Galen Fitzkee is the lone Falcon to be undefeated, with two doubles and two singles wins while Jarod Snader is 2-0 in singles and 1-1 in doubles and Andrew Bookman is 1-1 in singles and 2-0 in doubles.

What's Up Next
As mentioned, the Falcons will be back in action at Lycoming on Thursday, Apr. 1 when they take on the Warriors at 3:00 p.m.