Columbus, Ohio - The Youngstown State men's tennis team opened its spring slate with a 7-0 loss at fifth-ranked Ohio State on Sunday at OSU's Varsity Tennis Center.
Playing close matches for YSU were Hugo Morth at No. 2 singles and Bassem El Mekawi at No. 3 singles.
Morth, who was playing No. 66 Ralf Steinbach, dropped the first set 6-1 before forcing a tiebreaker in the second set. After a back-and-forth match, Steinbach defeated Morth 7-6 (7-5) in the second set.
El Mekawi dropped his first set to Herkko Pollanen, 6-0, before battling to a 7-5 loss in the second set.
In doubles, the Buckeyes (2-0) won two of three matches to earn the point.
The Penguins (0-1) play their first home match of the season on Friday night when they entertain Duquesne. First serve at the Boardman Tennis Center is set for 7 p.m.
Ohio State 7, Youngstown State 0
Singles
2. #66 Ralf Steinbach (OSU) def.
Hugo Morth (YSU) 6-1, 7-6 (7-5)
3. Herkko Pollanen (OSU) def. Baddem El Mekawi (YSU) 6-0, 7-5
Doubles
3. Matt Mendez/Riley Reist (OSU) def.
Gabriel Tolesani/Baddem El Mekawi (YSU) 6-0
