By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

The best season in the history of LaGrange College’s men’s tennis program came to a close with a 7-2 loss to Methodist on Friday in the opening round of the USA South tournament.

The Panthers finished with a 13-7 record, and they qualified for the conference tournament for the first time.

The Panthers won one of the six singles matches, and one of the three doubles matches.

One of the Panthers’ wins came at number one doubles, with Alan Valdez and Will Thompson beating Jacob Oehser and Reid Rose 8-6.

The other two doubles matches were close.

At number two doubles, Carlos Valdez and John Mitchell Benton lost 9-7, and Trevor McClemore and Caleb Edde fell 8-6 at number three doubles.

The Panthers got a win at number three singles, with Benton prevailing 6-3, 1-6, 10-6.

Carlos Valdez lost a marathon match to Trent Harner at number four singles.

After the two players split the first two sets, Harner outlasted Valdez 19-17 in the third set to get the win.

Alan Valdez lost at number two singles, Johnson fell short at number five singles, and Edde was beaten at number six singles.

GOLF: LaGrange College is in fifth place in the USA South tournament after shooting a second-round 302 at Highland Country Club.

LaGrange College, which also shot a 302 in the first round, is 16 shots behind Methodist heading into today’s final round.

Ben Womack followed up his first-round 79 with a 72 on Friday, and he’s in a tie for 16th place.

Nathan Garner shot a 73 in the second round, and he was followed by Sam Rogers (78), Cameron Starr (79) and Jake Nelson (80).