GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum University men's tennis team opened its 2021 season with a 5-2 victory over Lee University Wednesday at the Nichols Tennis Complex.

The Pioneers (1-0) trailed after doubles, but won the first four singles matches to pick up the victory over the Flames (1-1). Tusculum won each of the first four singles matches in three sets, including a marathon victory from freshman Dmitry Bezborodov at flight one in which he rallied from 2-5 in the third set.

Playing in his first collegiate match, Bezborodov took on Jesus Garcia of Lee and went to a tiebreaker in each set. After taking the first set and losing the second, Bezborodov went down 2-5 in the third and needed treatment after pulling within 5-4. The third set also went to a tiebreaker, with Bezborodov prevailing 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (0-7), 7-6 (7-3).

Sophomore Leon Huck also won in three sets at flight two, beating Nico Ramirez 4-6, 6-0, 6-4, and junior Frank Bonacia beat Antonio Pons 7-5, 5-7, 7-5 at flight three. Freshman Nemanja Subanovic delivered the clinching point for the Pioneers with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 win at flight four over Cristian Pons. Junior Vadzim Raitsou gave the Pioneers their final point in less-stressful fashion than the others, beating Daniel Prata 6-1, 6-4 at flight six.

In doubles, the Flames won two of the three sets to earn the team point, with Bezborodov and Bonacia teaming for a 7-5 win at flight two over Garcia and Cristian Pons.

The Pioneers are currently next scheduled to return to action on Friday, Feb. 19 at Young Harris, facing North Georgia in the morning and the host Mountain Lions in the afternoon.