HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College men's tennis team earned their first victory over the visiting Tusculum College Pioneers in program history Saturday (Mar. 10) afternoon to open up South Atlantic Conference play. The Cobras defeated the Pioneers 5-4 to improve to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in the SAC.
The Navy and Gold began the contest by taking two of the three doubles matches. Mark Watt and Henrik Hellbe grinded out a 9-8 victory at No. 1 doubles to improve to 6-5 in doubles play. Next, the tandem of Hunter Horton and Justus Lehman worked for a tough 9-8 win at No. 2 doubles, improving to a team-best 9-2 on the season.
In singles action, Watt battled back from an early deficit and recorded a 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory at the No. 1 spot. Watt improved to a stellar 10-1 record in singles play with the victory. At No. 2 singles, Horton dug deep for a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 victory and upgraded his singles record to 8-3. Finally, Lehman sealed the Cobra victory with a 6-3, 6-3 win at the No. 6 position. Lehman is now 8-2 on the year.
The Cobras will be back in action on Thursday (Mar. 15) when they host East Florida State College at 2 p.m.