HICKORY, N.C.– The No. 48 Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Tennis Team earned the first national ranking in program history and went on to defeat Catawba 5-2 at the YMCA of Catawba  Valley on Wednesday afternoon. The Bears have won 10 of their last 11 matches and are one win shy of tying last year's win total of 13. 

GAME VITALS
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne  5, Catawba 2
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (12-2, 3-1 SAC) | Catawba (9-5, 1-2 SAC)

COACHES TAKE
 
"The men took care of business today," said Head Coach Tom Rees. "Despite Catawba being a man short, we knew they could cause us some problems. Rhodri and Paul were clutch in doubles that gave us some real momentum for singles. We are looking forward to working hard over the next few days in practice ahead of Coker on Monday."

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bears took the doubles point today and never looked back. With Catawba losing by default in the third spot, it came down to one win in either of the top two lines. Lenz and Atkinson were up to the task with a 6-4 win to clinch the doubles victory. 

In singles action, Lenoir-Rhyne continued its strong play. Again, Catawba defaulted at the number six spot so the Bears needed just two wins in singles play. Atkinson and Shane O'Dea took straight set victories and Hamed Gandouz earned another win at first singles. Catawba took victories at the numbers two and three lines but fell short. 

UP NEXT

The Bears will hit the road with a match against Coker on Monday at 2 p.m.