LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Gardner-Webb men's tennis team fought back from an early deficit but fell to the Liberty Flames, 4-3, on Friday afternoon.

"We lost a close match, but the team is in great spirits," said head coach Mike Griffith. "It was great to see Max, Millen and Paul each record victories in singles play. We are continuing to get better and look forward to facing Longwood tomorrow."

The 'Dogs began the match by winning at No. 1 doubles as Maximilian Scholl and Millen Hurrion topped their opponents, 6-0. Liberty would clinch the doubles point and carry the momentum into singles play with victories in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.

Paul Hogan tied the match at one with a 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles before Liberty pulled ahead with a win at No. 5.

Gardner-Webb would take the lead as Scholl won in the No. 1 position, 7-5, 6-1 and Hurrion was victorious at No. 2 by a pair of 6-4 scores.

Although the Runnin' Bulldogs led 3-2, they were unable to sustain the energy as the Flames won the final two matches at No. 6 and No. 4. Both Stefano Puga and Breno Plentz fought for three sets but were defeated.

Gardner-Webb is now 6-10 overall and 0-3 in Big South Conference action. Liberty improves to 8-7 and 2-0 in conference.

The Runnin' Bulldogs will continue their road trip tomorrow, Saturday, March 10, by staying in the state of Virginia and competing against Longwood. Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m.