HICKORY, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Tennis Team pulled out a thrilling 4-3 victory over Lees-McRee to win their first home match of the season. 

It was a strong start for the Bears as they were able to capture the doubles point by sweeping the Bobcats. No. 1 and No. 3 doubles were able to win in a dominating fashion by a 6-2 set score in each match, while the No. 2 doubles team took their match in a 6-4 decision.  

The bottom half of the ladder was the crucial part of the order with No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 singles winning each match. 

At No. 5 singles, Patrik Alvestrand had the match of the day. The senior had quite a comeback as he was able to overcome his first set loss to win the match, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4). 

Mauricio Hernandez had the best performance out of any Bear in singles as he defeated Ezequiel Arce easily at the No. 4 line in a 6-3, 6-2 result. 

At No. 6 singles, Joel Hemmings had a see-saw match against Andy Tallafigo. The junior took the opening set, 6-1, but dropped the second set, 0-6. In the third set, it was an even battle until Tallafigo had to retire at 6-6, right before a decisive tiebreaker. 

The Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Tennis squad will return to the court on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the YMCA of Catawba Valley in Hickory, N.C.