Alma, Mich. - The Alma College men's tennis team dropped a 5-4 decision to Spring Arbor University on Thursday (Feb. 9) in the Scots' season opener at the Stone Recreation Center.

Alma opened the contest with victories in two of the three doubles matches. The team of senior Damien Arthur (Allegan, Mich./Allegan) and junior Luke Van Fleet (Rockford, Mich./Rockford) won in a tiebreaker at No. 1 singles, while senior Grant Hill (Caro, Mich./Caro) and junior Noah Ackerman (Munising, Mich./Munising) posted an 8-6 victory in the No. 2 doubles match.

Spring Arbor took four of the six singles flights to win the match as each of the individual contests was decided in straight sets.

Freshman Jonathon Groening (Midland, Mich./Middle Christian School) picked up his first collegiate win at No. 3 singles with a 7-6, 6-3 victory, while Ackerman was victorious at No. 5 singles, winning his match by 6-3, 6-1 scores.

The Scots will travel to Cornerstone University on Friday, Feb. 17, for a non-conference match that is scheduled for a noon start.