HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - The Carroll University men's tennis team lost to Western New England University 7-2 in a nonconference dual meet at Shipyard Tennis Courts on Monday.
It was the first dual of a challenging three-match Spring Break road trip for Carroll, which dropped to 1-4 overall.
Ben Pierson won in straight sets at No. 5 singles to lead the Pioneers, defeating Paul Riccio 6-4, 7-6 (10-6).
Pierson, a junior from Janesville, Wis., earned his third consecutive victory to improve his individual record to 3-2 in dual competition and 4-4 overall.
Carroll's other victory came at No. 6 singles as Jordan Nowell outlasted Ryan Zable by claiming the first set 6-3 and officially won by opponent retirement.
Nowell, a senior from Waukesha, Wis., earned his second straight victory to improve to 2-3 in duals and 4-3 overall. 
The Pioneers continued to demonstrate their progress and potential as No. 1 singles player Jack McCaffery and No. 3 singles player Ian Hofland each battled to hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 losses.
Carroll's No. 2 doubles team of McCaffery and Ryan Strupp lost an intriguing showdown, falling to Sebastian Smreczak and Michael Robichaud 8-6.
Pierson and Nowell combined for a gritty battle at No. 3 doubles for the Pioneers, losing to Brandon Greger and Casey VanDenBossch 8-7 (7-1).
Carroll is scheduled to face University of Lynchburg in a nonconference dual Tuesday at 9 a.m. (EST).
Stay up to date on Carroll men's tennis by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics)