The Bulldogs continued the hot start to the 2017 season with a 7-0 victory over Cleveland State Thursday night at the Butler Tennis Bubble. Butler is now 5-2 on the season.
 
After taking the doubles points, the Bulldogs were tested strongly on the singles courts as the top three singles matches each went three sets as the Bulldogs overcame first-set deficits on all three courts. At No. 3, Mason Dragos fought off a series of match points in the second set. On court No. 2, Mikheil Khmiadashvili used a break at 6-5 in the third set to finish off his match.
 
Spencer Lang, Ari Gerstein and Adrian Mag posted straight-set wins at No. 4 through No. 6, respectively.
 
The loss avenges a 5-2 defeat to the Vikings a season ago. Cleveland State had won nine straight in the series between the former Horizon League foes.
 
The Bulldogs travel to Greencastle, Ind., Friday for a 4:30 p.m. match-up with DePauw. Due to the unseasonably warm weather in the forecast, the match is expected to begin on DePauw's outdoor courts.
 
Butler 7, Cleveland State 0
 
Doubles
1. Khmiadashvili/Dragos (BUT) def. Buffington/Goth (CSU), 6-1
2. Ben Shabat/Gerstein (BUT) def. Mostardi/Mick (CSU), 6-3
3. Lang/Adelakun (BUT) vs. Malm/Slade (CSU), 3-3, unf.
 
Singles
1. Aviv Ben Shabat (BUT) def. Nico Mostardi (CSU), 3-6, 7-5, 6-3
2. Mikheil Khmiadashvili (BUT) def. Colton Buffington (CSU), 1-6, 6-3, 7-5
3. Mason Dragos (BUT) def. William Malm (CSU), 6-7 (2), 7-6 (4), 11-9
4. Spencer Lang (BUT) def. Benjamin Slade (CSU), 6-3, 6-1
5. Ari Gerstein (BUT) def. Jack Santilli (CSU), 6-2, 6-0
6. Adrian Mag (BUT) def. Kevin Goth (CSU), 6-4, 6-4