MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks men's tennis team (6-8, GSC: 3-1) hosted the No. 17 Mississippi College Choctaws (10-4, GSC: 3-2) in a nail-biting 4-3 victory on Sunday afternoon from the AUM Tennis Complex.

COACH O'BRIEN'S COMMENTS
"Great conference win for the men today. We knew this was going to be a tough one, and the guys were ready for the challenge. Getting the doubles point is always important in these types of matches, and I thought our energy in doubles was outstanding. We were able to secure the doubles point, which was a big boost for us and gave us momentum going into singles. Every line in singles today was a tough match, and I thought both teams competed really well. Our guys stayed loud and supported each other the entire time, and I believe that was a big difference in the match. Was really happy for Mark to get the clinch for us. He is no stranger to those situations and played through the pressure really well. Again, great team win. Let's keep it going."

HOW IT HAPPENED
Doubles
The Warhawks took the first win of the day after Mark Nawa and Harry McDonagh defeated the Choctaws' Sergio Ramirez Ocana and Lucas Cavalvanti de Carvalho 6-2 at the No. 3 slot.
 
Mississippi College responded with a 6-3 win at the top position, however, Daniel Margoulis and Guillermo Vedia Sanchez secured the doubles point for the Warhawks with a 7-5 win over MC's Mikayel Avanesyan and Charles Lefort at the No. 2 spot.
 
Singles
Similarly to doubles play, singles competition was tightly contested throughout. Mississippi College evened the score with a win on court three before the Warhawks regained the lead with a victory at the top position, where Giuseppe Bonaiuti took down the Choctaws' Mattia Ricci 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.
 
The team's continued to exchange blows with the visiting team tying the score at 2-2 with a No. 5 win and AUM's Jami Savolainen keeping the orange and black in front with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 comeback win over MC's Matias Ruiz.
 
Once again, Mississippi College tied up the score, this time at 3-3, behind a singles win at the No. 4 spot.
 
With the match on the line, Mark Nawa stepped up big-time. He defeated his opponent, Carvalho, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) at the No. 6 position to close out the day with AUM in front 4-3.





UP NEXT
The Warhawks will face the Valdosta State Blazers in Valdosta, Georgia on Friday, March 27 at 1 p.m.


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