SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Cleveland State men's tennis team returned to action for the first time during the 2021 season Saturday, dropping a 7-0 match at Notre Dame. 

Saturday's match marked the first competition for the Vikings in over 320 days.

"We are glad to get this match under our belts and return to the courts, and remember what competition feels like," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "We had flashes of brilliance and some really competitive spots throughout the match, but we still need to work on being a bit more consistent with our focus and playing loose on the big points. The entire team put up a good battle against a tough Notre Dame team, and I'm looking forward to continuing the season."

Matthew Terry and Luke Phillips posted Cleveland State's top efforts in singles play Saturday, as Terry picked up a first set victory at the No. 2 spot before eventually falling in a third set super tiebreaker, while Phillips dropped a tight 7-6, 7-6 match at No. 3 singles.

Freshman Maxime Mareschal-Hay made his collegiate debut against Notre Dame, playing at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles. In singles action, Mareschal-Hay dropped a hard fought 7-5, 6-4 match.

"The entire team is very thankful for the CSU Athletic staff and University administration who made this season possible, and we look forward to taking advantage of every match we get to play this season and never taking anything for granted," Etzkin said.

Joining Etzkin on the sidelines was Vince Anzalone who was making his debut as Cleveland State's assistant coach. 

"Vince did a great job on the sidelines for us today, he brought really high energy to the match and was extremely helpful on and off the court. I'm excited to have him with the team this season and looking forward to what is to come," Etzkin said.

The Vikings are slated to continue the season next weekend, when they host Ball State on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 in the Medical Mutual Tennis Pavilion. 

Notre Dame 7, Cleveland State 0
Doubles (3, 2)
1. Mostardi/Phillips (CSU) vs. #19 McCormick/Nefve (ND), 5-5, unf.
2. Ciamarra/Gamble (ND) def. Bilinovich/Teichmann (CSU), 6-3
3. Ancona/Howells (ND) def. Terry/Mareschal-Hay (CSU), 6-2

Singles (6, 1, 5, 4, 2, 3)
1. #6 Richard Ciamarra (ND) def. #91 Nico Mostardi (CSU), 6-3, 6-2
2. Axel Nefve (ND) def. Matthew Terry (CSU), 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-5
3. Tristan McCormick (ND) def. Luke Phillips (CSU), 7-6 (12), 7-6 (2)
4. Matthew Che (ND) def. Maxime Mareschal-Hay (CSU), 7-5, 6-4
5. Connor Fu (ND) def. Clark Bilinovich (CSU), 7-5, 6-2
6. Brandon Ancona (ND) def. Raul Teichmann (CSU), 6-0, 6-1