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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel tennis team dropped a competitive match to DePaul by a 5-2 score Monday afternoon at the Earle Tennis Center.

The Bulldogs (8-19) battled the Blue Demons (5-11) throughout the day, with five of the singles matches requiring three sets to determine a winner after DePaul won at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to take the initial team point.

"This was a tough one to lose with five three setters," head coach Chuck Kriese said. "They say that the night is darkest before the dawn. We have to stay tough and keep knocking on the door. The reason that I love coaching at The Citadel is that the players are tough to the core and do not quit. Our paradigm is shifting. Soon we will be comfortable with winning and it will be a whole new ballgame. Right now we have to suffer, continue to work hard and continue to stay tough."

After winning the doubles point against a Division I opponent for the first time this season against Navy in the last match, Monday's contest marked the first time this season The Citadel won at No. 1 and No. 2 singles against a Division I opponent.

Sophomore Nicholas Bradley claimed the only straight-set decision of the afternoon with a 6-4, 7-5 victory at No. 1 singles. Fellow sophomore Artemie Amari moved into a tie for the team lead with his 10th singles win this season, battling back to claim a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory at No. 2. Artemie also teamed up with freshman Matthew Henson for a 6-4 win at No. 1 doubles. The duo has won two matches in a row and improved to 6-3 this season at the top doubles position.

The Bulldogs return to the court Tuesday, hosting Samford to start a run of three straight conference matches. Tuesday's contest is set to start at 2 p.m. Admission to the Earle Tennis Center is free.

For more information on The Citadel tennis, follow @CitadelOlympic or visit CitadelSports.com.