GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum University men's tennis team opened its South Atlantic Conference schedule with a 7-0 victory over Mars Hill University Tuesday afternoon at the Nichols Tennis Complex.
The 23rd-ranked Pioneers (3-1, 1-0 SAC) lost one set against the Lions (2-3, 0-1 SAC) to earn the victory in their home opener.
In doubles play, Frank Bonacia and Nemanja Subanovic defeated Marcos Martinez and Leo Bernardes by a 6-1 score at flight one, Robin Eldin and Jacco Mensinga beat Youssef Ardouni and Gustaf Nilsson 6-1 at flight two, and Miles Ray teamed with Nathan West at flight three for a 6-2 victory over Faris Hadzisadikovic and Collin Maides.
Bonacia, ranked 32nd in Division II singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, beat Hadzisadikovic 6-4, 6-0 at flight one and Ray downed Bernardes 6-3, 6-0 at flight five. Kenta Kondou delivered the clinching point at flight three with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ardouni.
In the second half of singles competition, Eldin defeated Nilsson 6-0, 6-2 at flight four, Subanovic beat Martinez 6-2, 6-3 at flight two and Marco Jalalian rallied for a 2-6, 6-0, (12-10) win over Felipe Rubio at flight six.
The Pioneers will travel to Belmont Abbey for a non-conference match with the Crusaders on Friday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
