Queens, N.Y. - Facing the defending Big East Conference champions Thursday afternoon, the Adelphi University men's tennis team challenged Division I St. John's University in its 2024 spring opener at Cunningham Park.

Only singles matches were played, since the indoor court reservation reached its time limit before doubles could commence.

The loss was the first of the 2023-24 campaign for the Panthers, who dropped to 4-1 overall.

Junior Marko Jovanovic played from behind for the first time this year at No. 1 singles, and still prevailed 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 over fellow junior Ignacio Vinas -- who spent the last two seasons at Oral Roberts University.

Fellow standout and NE10 Rookie of the Year Viktor Hockl took a set off his opponent at No. 2 singles, but eventually conceded by a 6-3, 1-6, 5-7 scoreline.

Hugo Munoz Reinoso was tasked with facing Ryota Kaneda -- one of the Red Storm's two leaders in singles victories. Reinoso battled to a tough 4-6, 2-6 defeat at the No. 4 flight.

The Panthers continue to gear up for regional competition, and are scheduled for one last tune-up at Boston University on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 12:45 p.m.