MOLINE, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings men's tennis team was defeated in their conference opener on Saturday, falling to the Carthage Firebirds at Quad City Tennis Club by a score of 8-1.

Doubles play brought three competitive matches to begin the contest, but all three went in favor of the Firebirds. Both the No. 1 and 2 positions went to a tiebreaker, with Carthage winning the No. 1 match 8-7 (6) and the No. 2 by a score of 8-7 (5). The third doubles matchup resulted in an 8-5 win for the Firebirds to take a 3-0 lead heading into singles.

Carthage went on to win five of six singles matches, but the Vikings earned a win at No. 1 from Arthur Hermange, who defeated his opponent in consecutive sets 6-0, 6-2. Timothee Philip battled tough in the opening set at No. 4, narrowly defeated 7-5 before dropping the second 6-0. 

"It was a tough one today on the scoreboard, but we played some of the best doubles of the year," said head coach David DeSimone. "Arthur played an excellent and complete singles match, which was exciting to see."

The Vikings will continue conference play tomorrow at home against the Carroll Pioneers. Start time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from the Lower Campus Courts on the campus of Augustana College.