EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. The University of Southern Indiana men's tennis finished the 2005-06 campaign in the GLVC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 1997 after splitting a pair of matches on day one of the conference tournament in Edwardsville, Illinois. USI won its opening match, 5-2, over Northern Kentucky University, but dropped a 5-0 decision to Drury University in the semifinals.
The Screaming Eagles, who are 4-15 overall, were the third seed in the West Division. NKU was the second seed in the East, while Drury was the top seed in the West and is ranked second nationally.
In the win over NKU, USI got off to a good start by winning two of the three doubles matches. Senior
Ryan Hughes (England) and freshman
Bodene Scott (Australia) won the number one doubles match, 8-4, while freshman
Nathan Moore (Santee, California) and sophomore
Andrew McGuire (Greenfield, Indiana) posted an 8-5 win at number two doubles.
The Eagles clinched the match when Hughes won in straight sets (6-1, 6-2) at number one singles and Moore swept his match at number four singles (6-2, 6-4).
In the semifinals, Drury shut out the Eagles by winning all three of the doubles matches and the number two and four singles matches.
USI will play the University of Indianapolis for third place Saturday at 9 a.m. in Edwardsville.
Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information
