BRONX, N.Y. – The Norfolk State men's tennis team came up short against a powerful Fordham team on Sunday evening, falling 5-2 at the Cary Leeds Center.
 
Jakub Solarski and Frederick McRae earned a 7-5 doubles victory at the No. 2 position, but it wasn't enough to get the Spartans the opening point. Fordham won 6-0 on both Courts 1 and 3 to take the doubles portion.
 
Fordham picked up a straight-sets win at the No. 1 singles position to take a 2-0 lead. The Spartans got on the board however, thanks to a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 5 slot from freshman Igor Kubalka in his collegiate debut.
 
Fordham clinched the match with triumphs at the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, the latter coming down to a tiebreaker in the third set between Will Lokier and Deniz Okyay. Ruben Russworm took down Michele Elia 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Court 6 soon after.
 
Solarski ended the night on a strong note for the Spartans, pulling out a come-from-behind victory at the No. 2 position. The MEAC Rookie of the Year defeated Dhananjay Athreya 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to improve to 2-0 on the day.
 
Norfolk State completes its road trip on Monday afternoon, facing Loyola Maryland at 2 p.m.
 
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