by Kevin Buczek
WILSON, N.C.-Freshman Jorge Pradilla picked up the only win for Barton College in an 8-1 Conference Carolinas men's tennis loss against visiting King College on Saturday afternoon at the Barton Tennis Complex.
The Tornado (13-3 Overall, 7-2 Conf.) remained in third place in the league standings with the victory. The Bulldogs (4-12, 1-7) were unable to move into a tie for eighth place in the conference standings.
King won its third consecutive match after jumping out to a 3-0 lead after doubles. Seth Hale and Patrick Jones highlighted doubles play for the Tornado with an 8-1 win in the third position. Hale-Patrick improved to 14-2 overall and 8-1 in the league.
Pradilla (8-8, 4-4) picked up the Bulldogs lone point with a 7-5, 6-4 conquest at No. 4.
Jose Avila and Pablo Vidal helped King complete the win with continued dominance at the top of the lineup. Avila (11-3, 8-1) won the marquee matchup 6-1, 6-3 and Vidal (12-4, 7-2) was victorious 6-4, 6-0 in the second slot.
Vitor Villar, Leo Brigato and Hale also won in singles play for the Tornado.
Barton will need to win at least one of its final two matches to have any chance to make the 2012 Conference Carolinas Men's Tennis Tournament next weekend. The Bulldogs next resume a halted match against Belmont Abbey College from Feb. 24 at home on Monday beginning at 3 p.m.
