Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Citadel tennis team dropped three tough matches this weekend against Grand Canyon, Metro State and Air Force at the Academy Indoor Tennis Courts in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Citadel started the weekend with a 7-0 loss to Grand Canyon. Peter Bleach and Nick Bradley were able to secure an 8-7 win in the No. 1 doubles slot, however the Lopes topped the Bulldogs at the No. 2 and 3 doubles positions to claim the point.

Grand Canyon then won the six singles matches in straight sets to defeat The Citadel.

Coach Kriese was proud with the team's efforts and ability to fight back after the first loss.

"We are absolutely taking some steps forward," said Kriese. "We are in the process of moving forward and we are showing some good things."

The Bulldogs got back in action against Metro State on Saturday afternoon. The Citadel battled but fell 5-4 to the Roadrunners.

Bleach and Bradley earned their second doubles win of the weekend in the No. 1 position, and Artemie Amari and Oliver Dedding earned a win at No. 2. In singles play, Dedding and Amari picked up wins in the No. 3 and 4 spots for the Bulldogs.

"Our doubles play continues to be solid, and it is very good to see the competitiveness in the matches," Kriese said.

The Citadel returned to the courts for a final match on Sunday against Air Force where they were topped 6-1.

Amari and Dedding recorded their second doubles win of the weekend in the No. 2 position but the Bulldogs weren't able to win the point.

In singles play, Amari earned the win in the No. 4 position. After falling 5-7 in the first set, Amari battled back to win the next two sets 7-6, 7-6.

"After losing two tough matches yesterday I was afraid our team's heart would be broken, but the guys fought from start to finish," Kriese said. "Our team is physically good enough to win, but we have to learn how to carry our leads."

The Bulldogs return to action on Feb. 22 for a doubleheader against East Carolina in Greenville, N.C.