BELMONT, N.C. --- Belmont Abbey College rallied to win each of the final three singles matches to earn a 5-2 victory over Tusculum University in non-conference men's tennis action Friday afternoon.
The Crusaders (4-9) led 1-0 after doubles, but the Pioneers (3-2) won two of the first three singles matches to knot the score at 2-2. Tusculum went up a set in the three remaining singles matches, but Belmont Abbey came back in each to claim the victory.
In doubles, the Pioneers earned a win at flight three as Kenta Kondou and Vadzim Raitsou teamed for a 6-3 win over Alex Turner and Kent Shiell, but the Crusaders won the other two flights to capture the team point.
In singles play, the Pioneers trailed 2-0 but came by to tie the match as Robin Eldin beat Xaveam Van Wijk 6-3, 6-4 at flight three and Kondou defeated Nelson Stafford 6-4, 6-4 at flight two. Tusculum went up a set at flights one, four and six, but Belmont Abbey completed the comeback in each contest to come away with the win.
The Pioneers will be on the road for a non-conference match at Lee on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
