It was about as close as you could get. The Hamline men's tennis team gave St. Olaf all they could handle Saturday before falling 5-4 at the Owatonna Tennis Center. The number one doubles tandem of Tou Ger Xiong and Jake Trondson got things going in the right direction with an 8-5 win. The Oles took the next two doubles matches.

Trondson stretched his record to 3-0 at No. 1 singles with a straight set win. Elias Ramirez did likewise at No. 2 and Andrew Argeros duplicated that feat at No. 5. The Oles claimed wins at No. 3 and 5 singles. So it was up to Ger Xiong at No. 4. The freshman dropped the first set, 6-1, but rallied for a 7-6 (7-2) win to even the match. The St. Paul, Minn. native took his foe to several extra games before giving way by 12-10. 

A tough loss but a sign this young team refuses to be pushed around. 

Hamline is 1-2 overall, 0-1 in MIAC play. The Pipers return to the court February 23 to take on St. Ambrose and Martin Luther. 

For complete St. Olaf results, click here.