WEST LIBERTY --  West Liberty won a key MEC tennis match against visiting West Virginia Wesleyan on Sunday afternoon at the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex.

Wesleyan fell behind after the doubles and never was able to muster much of a threat as the Hilltoppers closed out a 6-3 win to stay unbeaten in conference play.

The Bobcats fall to 2-5 overall, and 1-1 in the MEC. West Liberty is currently ranked No. 3 in the latest ITA poll, while Wesleyan is ranked No. 5.

Joel Izquierdo continues to be a bright spot for the 'Cats, as he took the number one singles match in convincing fashion by turning back West Liberty's Andrew Ponder 6-3, 6-1.

Sophomore Timothy Stephens grabbed the Bobcats' other point in singles with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Pablo Cimora at the No. 6 position. The Hilltoppers took the remaining four spots in straight sets and never trailed in the dual.

"We are coming along slowly, and trying hard to get up to match speed. but we caught a good team on a good day and they handled us pretty easily," said head coach Marc Walters. "We are making progress, and I think the guys were professional all day in their approach. It's a process we have faced before, and I am pleased with our attitude. We just need to continue to work on our execution and keep the big picture in sight."

The Bobcats return the to the court for three more matches this coming weekend. They play in Fairmont Saturday against Fairmont State and Davis and Elkins in the FSU Hidden Duals event.

They will then face off against regionally ranked No. 4 Edinboro on Sunday. Matches both days are on the FSU campus.