The Creighton men’s tennis team’s record now stands at 8-7 after a three-match losing streak in Valley play, culminating with a 5-2 loss to Bradley University.

After a good start in the non-conference, the Bluejays fell on hard times when the MVC season began, suffering 7-0 defeats at the hands of the Drake University Bulldogs and Illinois State University Redbirds before the most recent loss to Bradley. But the team showed signs of improvement against the Braves as it swept the three doubles matches and notched its first singles victory in conference play.

Junior Billy Paluch and senior Kyle Obermeier won the No. 1 doubles match 8-4, juniors Ryan Norman and Sean Mathison knocked off their opponents 8-5 in the No. 2 doubles match and senior J.T. Christian and freshman Elliot Baker combined to win the No. 3 doubles 8-1. The doubles sweep earned Creighton a point heading into singles play, but only Paluch was able to defeat his opponent in the No. 1 position.

The Braves swept the other five singles matches, although Christian did push his opponent to three sets before falling 6-4.

Creighton will need continued success in doubles play and improvement from the singles players in order to get back on track. The victories against Bradley are a promising sign, but the team will have to take another step in its development moving forward.

The Jays returned home to face the University of Nebraska-Omaha on Thursday, and continue their home stand against the Southern Illinois University Salukis on Saturday at 1 p.m. before wrapping up the season against the Wichita State University Shockers April 22. The Jays will host the MVC Team Championships on April 27.