LANCASTER, Pa. - After the Millersville men's tennis team had suffered its sixth loss in a row, Coach Matt Helsel stated that it was only a matter of time until the team's fortunes turned. It didn't take long for him to be proven correct. Late Saturday evening, the Marauders defeated Davis & Elkins 4-3 for their first win of the spring semester. 

Millersville improved to 2-6 after going without a win since Sept. 28. Davis & Elkins is now 1-3

HOW IT HAPPENED
• Millersville's performance in doubles competition proved to be the deciding factor in the match. The No. 1 team of Dylan Tull and Zach Pernia was dominant, winning by a 6-0 score. Lino Morin and Shaurya Piplani then won a battle in the No. 2 flight, 7-6 (1). Morino and Piplani improved to 4-2 as a team. It was the first time that Tull and Pernia had teamed. 
• The Marauders needed to win at least three of the six singles matches, and Tull, Pernia and Jasper de Koning delivered. Tull won in the No. 1 spot by a 6-1, 6-2 score. Pernia took the No. 4 match 6-2, 6-1, and de Koning scored a 6-2, 7-5 win at No. 5 singles. The wins for Tull and de Koning evened their season records at 6-6. 

REACTION FROM COACH MATT HELSEL
• "We really needed a couple guys to step up and say, 'OK, I'm going to impose my will tonight and take matters into my own hands,' and that's exactly what we got. Dylan and Zach just took over the whole match in dominant fashion, losing only six combined games in a doubles and two singles matches. Jasper really played well right when we needed it and pulled out a tough second set after falling behind 4-1. My Hat is off to our guys. D&E played hard, but we didn't budge." 

UP NEXT
• Millersville is scheduled to begin PSAC East play on Saturday, March 25 at Bloomsburg.