JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The University of Dubuque men's tennis opened their 2023-24 season with a victory for new head coach Chad Fenwick by a 5-4 score over host Illinois College.

The Spartans nearly captured all three doubles matches. UD's #1 doubles of Pedwar Castillo/Alexander Hardin fought to a tie break and lost 8-9 (4-7 in tie break). The duo of the Ryans at #2 doubles of Ryan Linkie/Ryan Kiddle took the set 9-7. The #3 doubles team of Rashuan Duck/Dawson Freese dominated by winning the set 8-1.

Castillo lost the #1 singles 1-6, 3-6. Duck took the first et 6-4, lost the second 2-6, and lost the third set 3-10. Linkie won the much needed #3 singles match after losing the first set 5-7, rallied to capture set two 6-3 and the match 11-9 in the tie break. Kiddle lost #4 singles 2-6, 3-6. Hardin won #5 singles 6-1, 6-3 and Freese won the #6 singles 6-2, 6-0.

The Spartans were supposed to face Westminster College (Mo.), but they canceled the dual meet. UD returns to action at home on Sept. 20 when they host Ripon College at 3:00 p.m. on Frank Farber Tennis Courts.