Oct. 4, 2007

TULSA, Okla. - Michigan State seniors Nick Rinks and Adam Monich lost in their first doubles action at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Invitational on Thursday. Rinks, playing in the main singles draw, also lost a three-set match to USC's Robert Farah.

The Spartans' day began in the early afternoon with Rinks, who are started out fast against Farah. He won the first set before falling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

"Nick played well," head coach Gene Orlando said. "It was a tight match, but he just couldn't capitalize on some chances. The best players in the country are at this tournament, and it's a good way to start the season."

Rinks and Monich dropped an 8-6 decision to North Carolina State's Nick Cavaday and Jay Weinacker. Once again, play was tight, but the Spartan duo fell just short.

"The match really came down to a few points," Orlando said. "We just couldn't win the important ones."

Rinks' loss eliminated him from singles play, but the MSU doubles team is still alive in consolation play. The Spartan seniors will play Florida's Tyler Hockwalt and Greg Ouelette Friday afternoon.

SINGLES RESULT
Robert Farah (USC) def. Nick Rinks - 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

DOUBLES RESULT
Nick Cavaday/Jay Weinacker (NC St.) def. Nick Rinks/Adam Monich - 8-6