Fullerton, CA - The Hope International men's tennis team (5-12) battled hard but fell in a tough conference match 4-3 to the Ottawa University Arizona Spirit on Friday afternoon at home at the Fullerton Tennis Center in Fullerton, CA.

The Royals got off to a good start as they won the doubles points with Reid Lizardo and Yahia Elsheikh winning 6-2 while Ricky Lizardo and Felix Hamp won 6-3. Dylan Barrett and Thomas Folsom lost in a close one 6-4 but it didn't matter as the Royals already clinched the point winning two out of three. The Royals continued to play well in singles with Reid Lizardo quickly winning 6-2, 6-1 and Elsheikh winning 7-6, 6-1. The Spirit battled back as Folsom fell 6-3, 6-2 and Barrett lost 6-4, 6-3 while Kento Henderson fell in a close one 7-6, 6-4 as the game was tied 3-3. Rick Lizardo was then ahead in his match winning the first set 7-5 but couldn't hold on as he fell 6-4, 6-2 as the Royals lost in a tough one 4-3.

The Royals continue conference play at home as they host Arizona Christian on Saturday, March 29 at 12:00 PM at home at the Fullerton Tennis Center in Fullerton, CA.