CHARLOTTE - In just its second match of the 2018 season, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs men's tennis squad fell to the Charlotte 49ers, 7-0, on Friday morning.

It was a tough day for the Runnin' Bulldogs, who made the short drive up I-85 for the non-conference match. Breno Plentz and Stefano Puga fell at No. 3 doubles, 6-2, before reigning Freshman of the Week Millen Hurrion and Adam Schmidt lost at No. 2 doubles, 6-4, allowing the 49ers to clinch the doubles point.

In singles action, the home team swept Gardner-Webb, 6-0. At No. 1 singles, Hurrion took a 6-2 victory in the opening set before ultimately succumbing to his opponent. Plentz also battled at the No. 2 singles position, falling 6-4 in the opening set before taking a heartbreaking loss in a second set tiebreaker, 7-6 (7-3).

The loss moves Gardner-Webb to 0-2 on the season, while the 49ers improved to 1-2 with the victory.

"Charlotte was better today, but I liked our fight and our depth," said head coach Mike Griffith. "We have a great opportunity coming up with three matches in four days (beginning next Thursday), so

I'm excited to see our team continue to battle and improve."

The Runnin' Bulldogs will have the early part of next week off, before traveling to face Davidson (Thurs, Jan. 25), Lipscomb (Saturday, Jan. 27) and Belmont (Sunday, Jan. 28). Gardner-Webb and the Wildcats of Davidson are set to play at 5 p.m. next Thursday.