HOUSTON – The Wichita State men's tennis team started the 65th annual Ralph O'Connor Rice Invitational with a loss to the 58th ranked and host Rice Owls 4-0 on Friday afternoon at Rice's George R. Brown Tennis Center.
 
With the loss, the Shockers (3-15) have lost seven in a row and Rice (11-6) wins their fifth match in a row.
 
The Owls grabbed doubles swiftly with near simultaneous wins at court three, 6-2 and court one, 6-3. 
 
In singles, Ziwen Ju was the first to fall, being retired due to injury early in his first set, putting Rice up 2-0.
 
 Alejandro Jacome fell next at court one, 6-1, 6-0.
 
Luke Bracks would be swept at court five, 6-0, 6-0 to end the match for Rice, 4-0.
 
The Shockers remain in Houston for a match tomorrow against the UAB Blazers at 11:00 AM CT