WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Catholic University men's tennis team dropped a close match to open its spring season against Landmark Conference opponent Susquehanna at the Dowd Family Tennis Courts on Saturday.

The Cardinals (2-3, 0-1 LC) were led by sophomore Allan Van Nostrand who picked up two victories. Last year's Landmark Rookie of the Year took home a straight-set, individual victory at No. 2 singles (7-5, 6-3) and combined with senior David Brennan for a win at No. 2 doubles (8-4).

Junior Juan Gomez Vitta also won two matches, flying past River Hawk Hendrick Sandsted at No. 3 singles (6-0, 6-1). Gomez Vitta joined forces with sophomore Diego Robles-Rivero to earn a hard-fought victory at No. 3 doubles, 8-6. 

That would be the extent of the wins for Catholic, though, as they fell at the remaining five slots and dropped the match by a team score of 5-4. 

Junior Matt Rudolf fought hard at No. 1 singles, succumbing in three sets (6-1, 6-7(8-10),   1-6). Rudolf combined with freshman Benjamin Perks at No. 1 doubles, falling to the Susquehanna duo of Emil Vyskocil/Sandsted (4-8).

Senior Emmett Lee (No. 4 singles; 6-3, 5-7, 3-6), Brennan (No. 5 singles; 4-6, 1-6) and senior James Schmalz (No. 6 singles; 3-6, 7-5, 5-7) featured for the Cardinals on the singles courts but failed to win.

Catholic will look to bounce back next Saturday, April 9, on the Dowd Family Tennis Courts when it welcomes Moravian for a Landmark Conference battle. Opening service is set for 1 p.m.