DAHLONEGA, Ga. --- The Tusculum University men's tennis team battled the University of North Georgia on Saturday before the 11th-ranked Nighthawks pulled away for a 5-2 victory in non-conference action.
The Pioneers (3-3) trailed 1-0 after doubles but pulled within 3-2 with two singles matches remaining, only to see the Nighthawks (3-1) win the final two contests to clinch the victory.
North Georgia earned the doubles point by winning the first two matches, and went up 2-0 with a three-set win at flight one. Kenta Kondou put the Pioneers in the win column with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Christopher Cahour at flight three. Another three-set victory would give the Nighthawks a 3-1 lead, but Rhodri Atkinson outlasted Daniel Osap at flight two 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (12-10) to bring the Pioneers back within 3-2. But, the Nighthawks would win in straight sets at both flights five and six to take the victory.
The Pioneers will begin their South Atlantic Conference schedule on Monday, Feb. 20 at Mars Hill, beginning at 1 p.m.