OPENING SERVE
Score: Queens 0 | #18 South Carolina 7
Records: Queens (0-3) | #18 South Carolina (5-2)
Location: Columbia, S.C.
 
THE SHORT STORY: The Queens University men's tennis team (0-3) faced a tough test on Wednesday morning, falling 7-0 to No. 18 South Carolina at the Carolina Outdoor Tennis Center.

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Queens battled in doubles play but ultimately came up short. The No. 1 duo of Laurenz Blickwede and Win Steveker fell 1-6 to South Carolina's Casey Hoole and Sean Daryabeigi.
- At the No. 2 spot, Jake Grimes and Filippo Scala were defeated 2-6 by Lucas da Silva and Max Stenzer.
- The closest doubles match came at the No. 3 position, where Luke Coppage and Gavin Ryan pushed Gabe Avram and Cole Henceroth to the limit before narrowly losing 6-7 in a tiebreak.
- In singles action, the Royals continued to battle but couldn't break through against the Gamecocks. Laurenz Blickwede put up the strongest fight at No. 1 singles, taking Casey Hoole to a third-set tiebreak before falling 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 1-0 (12-10).
- Win Steveker (No. 2) and Luke Coppage (No. 5) each had competitive second sets but ultimately lost in straight sets.
- Jake Grimes (No. 3), Gavin Ryan (No. 4), and Filippo Scala (No. 6) were also defeated as South Carolina secured the sweep.

NEXT UP
Queens will host Presbyterian in their home opener on Friday, January 31. The Royals and Blue Hose faced off last season in Clinton, where Presbyterian claimed a 5-2 victory.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Be sure to follow the Royals Men's Tennis team on Instagram and Twitter for updates and news throughout the season. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media to learn more about all of the Royals teams in action.