ALTOONA, Pa. - The Penn State Altoona men's tennis team kicked off its spring schedule with a home match Friday afternoon, when the Lions lost 6-1 against non-conference opponent Juniata College at Gorilla House Gym.  

Juniata (3-1) got on the scoresheet first by winning two out of three in doubles, and the Eagles retained their lead by winning five of six in singles to post a five-point match victory over Penn State Altoona (2-3).  

The Lions picked up a win in the No. 2 doubles match, where Ivan Bene (York, PA/Lancaster Country Day) and Wilhelm Grot (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) combined to get their first win of the season together with a 6-3 decision over their opponents. However, Juniata triumphed in the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles to take a 1-0 lead into singles. 

The Eagles grew their lead during the singles portion of the match, getting wins at No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6. The Lions salvaged a point in the No. 3 singles match as Gabriel Lopez (Wilmette, IL/New Trier Township) defeated his opponent 6-4, 6-4.  

In their next match, Penn State Altoona men's tennis will host Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference foe Carlow. The match will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Gorilla House Gym.