The Webster University men's tennis team lost to McKendree University, 9-0, on March 22, in Lebanon, IL.  The Wildcats, ranked 20th in the NAIA, provided a stern test for the Gorloks.  Webster upgraded its 2011 schedule significantly in preparation for the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament.

The Wildcats, transitioning to NCAA II, gave the Gorloks a harsh taste of what a building program will face against more rigid competition.  Webster will play three NCAA II and five NAIA programs this spring.  The Gorloks finished second in the SLIAC in 2010 and lost the SLIAC tournament championship to Westminster College. 

Zach Papes (SR, McCluer North HS), who lost 2-6, 4-6, and Adis Beganovic (SR, St. John the Baptist HS, Bosnia), who lost 4-6, 0-6, were the only Gorloks to win more than two games in a set.  McKendree won its sixth straight match and is 6-1.  Webster falls to 3-2 on the season.

Webster opens SLIAC play against Westminster on March 26 at the Webster Groves Tennis Center.  The Gorloks face one of the NCAA II programs the next day, March 26, as they travel to Maryville University.