Sept. 18, 2005

MILWAUKEE - Three members of the Marquette men's tennis team suited up today and took to the court for the championship match of their division at the Ball State Invitational in Muncie, Ind.

Mario Lopez, a freshman out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, used his first tournament as a Golden Eagle to his advantage, making it to the Flight B Consolation Championship. Lopez fell to David Katz of Northern Illinois, 6-1, 6-4.

"He played probably one of Illinois State's best players in the first round of the tournament which was his only loss going into today," said coach Steve Rodecap of Lopez. "Unfortunately, he did not play his best tennis today."

Marquette sophomore Brett Binkley along with freshman Eric Fleming teamed up to play in the Doubles Flight B Championship against Illinois State's Yohann Nograba and Djordje Uskakovic.

"Brett and Eric played well together for the first time ever playing together," Rodecap said. "They played a good match today and played with a lot of energy. If they continue to play like that and continue to get better I feel they will be a very good team for us this year."

The men's tennis team will return to action next weekend when they compete in the Milwaukee Tennis Classic at the Western Racquet Club. Play begins Friday, September 23 and concludes on Sunday.