CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel tennis team dropped a pair of matches against Richmond and Middle Tennessee State by scores of 6-1 and 5-1, respectively, on Tuesday at the Earle Tennis Center.

With the losses, the Bulldogs slipped to 2-19 overall, while the Spiders improved to 7-4 and the Blue Raiders upped their overall record to 9-5.

The Spiders took the early advantage when they claimed the doubles point with a set of victories by Ethan and Jacob Dunbar in the No. 1 doubles position and Dylan Trent and Jonathan Quenard in the No. 3 spot.

Among the Bulldogs' setbacks in singles competition included Peter Bleach and Artemie Amari, who fell in the No. 1 and No. 2 singles positions in straight sets.

Oliver Dedding dropped a competitive three-set match in the No. 3 spot while Nick Bradley picked up the only point for the Bulldogs. Bradley fell in his first set, 6-4, but rallied to win the next two sets by scores of 7-5, 7-6.

The Citadel returned to the courts Tuesday evening to battle against Middle Tennessee State.

Bleach and Dedding were again handed losses in straight sets as the Blue Raiders took two points.

Amari , with a 6-0, 7-5 victory in the No. 3 spot claimed the first points for the Dogs by defeating Victor Hoang.

Bradley, Connor Grady and Joe Bove were beaten in straight sets at the No. 4, 5 and 6 singles positions.

"We picked up two losses today, however our team is always hungry to play and compete," head coach Chuck Kriese said. "I love that the guys want to put in on the line always and we are ready to start conference play on Saturday."

The Bulldogs will travel to take on Chattanooga at noon on Saturday in Chattanooga, Tenn.