Men's Tennis 3/11/2018 11:16:00 PM

DELTA STATE EDGES UNA MEN’S TENNIS 5-4

CLEVELAND, Miss., – A three-set victory at No. 3 singles clinched the match for Delta State in a 5-4 home victory over the University of North Alabama men's tennis team on Sunday. It was the third consecutive one-point decision for UNA, which falls to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in Gulf South Conference. DSU improves to 7-1, including a perfect 5-0 in league matches.

The Lions started fast as a pair of seniors, Miguel Garcia and Austin Racine, won 8-2 at No. 1 doubles. Delta State, however, responded with wins at No. 2 and No. 3 to grab a 2-1 lead heading into singles play.

Racine quickly evened the match at 2-2 with a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 4 singles. Delta State wins at No. 2 and No. 5 then gave the home team a 4-2 advantage.

Facing a clinching point, UNA stayed alive by winning two straight matches, including a comeback victory at the top singles position. After Jason Pienta rallied for the 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 win, Cade Reasons had little trouble at No. 6 in a 6-3, 6-3 triumph to tie the match at 4-4.

The match would come down to No. 3 singles, where Delta State's Mason Vice outlasted UNA's Luca Cirenza 7-6, 4-6, 6-2.

"It was just an unbelievable effort by these guys today," said UNA head tennis coach Brice Bishop. "Delta State is very good. We thought it could come down to doubles play and it did. We just came up a little short on the road."

North Alabama will play at Christian Brothers on Wednesday. Match time is set for 2 p.m. on the CBU campus in Memphis, Tenn.

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Players Mentioned

Miguel Garcia: 6' 1"; Senior

Luca Cirenza: 6' 1"; Freshman

Austin Racine: 6' 3"; Senior

Cade Reasons: 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Miguel Garcia
: 6' 1"; Senior

Luca Cirenza
: 6' 1"; Freshman

Austin Racine
: 6' 3"; Senior

Cade Reasons
: 6' 0"; Freshman