Match 4
Score: Kennesaw State 4, Belmont 3 | Box Score
Records: Kennesaw State (1-3), Belmont (3-2)
Up Next: Saturday, Feb. 11 at Wofford, 1 2 p.m.
 
KENNESAW, Ga. -- Saturday's men's tennis match-up between Kennesaw State and Belmont all came down to No. 1 singles, and senior Simon Pritchard pulled out a thrilling three-setter to clinch a 4-3 victory for the Owls over the Bruins at the Betty Siegel Courts.
 
Pritchard, and fellow senior Sam Slade were undefeated for the afternoon, as each won their singles and doubles match-ups for the second consecutive match. The victory improved to the Owls to 1-3, while the Bruins slipped to 3-2.
 
"I'm very happy for our guys," said Director of Tennis Eduardo Rincon. "They really showed a lot of grit and determination after a tough loss on Wednesday. It was definitely a team effort today. We will enjoy this one, but not for long as we need to prepare for another tough team next Saturday at Wofford. Simon did a great job closing a match against a tricky opponent who wasn't easy to play against."
 
Kennesaw State looked to be in control early, leading 1-0 after doubles and winning the first set in five of the six singles matches. But Belmont battled back, forcing a decisive third set in four different matches.
 
A 6-4, 6-0 victory by junior Jake Bouchillon in No. 5 singles over Josiah Collins made it 2-0 Owls, but Belmont won two straight singles matches to draw even at 2-2. Slade finished off Hendrik Inno at No. 2 singles (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) to put the hosts back in front, but Zak Khan beat Manuel Castellanos in a three-setter to tie the match at 3-3, setting the stage for Pritchard and Cedric Dujacquier to close it out.
 
Pritchard won his opening set 6-4, Dujacquier took the second 7-6, and Pritchard clinched his match, and the Owls' victory, by winning the third set 6-4.
 
Kennesaw State won the doubles point, thanks to wins by Pritchard and Castellanos over Dujacquier/Inno (6-3) and Slade and Drew Wendel over Stephen Goldman/Kahn (6-2).
 
The Owls have the week off and return to action next Saturday at Wofford. First serve is set for 12 p.m.

Doubles
1. Manuel Castellanos/Simon Pritchard (KSU) def. Cedric Dujacquier/Hendrik Inno (BELM) 6-3
2. Sam Slade/Drew Wendel (KSU) def. Stephen Goldman/Zak Khan (BELM) 6-2
3. Bruno Russo/Vincent Sterkens (BELM) def. Jake Bouchillon/Fermin Calvo Barcelo (KSU) 3-2, DNF

Singles
1. Simon Pritchard (KSU) def. Cedric Dujacquier (BELM) 6-4, 6-7, 6-4
2. Sam Slade (KSU) def. Hendrik Inno (BELM) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
3. Vincent Sterkens (BELM) def. Fermin Calvo Barcelo (KSU) 6-4, 6-2
4. Zak Khan (BELM) def. Manuel Castellanos (KSU) 1-6, 6-3, 7-6
5. Jake Bouchillon (KSU) def. Josiah Collins (BELM) 6-4, 6-0
6. Bruno Russo (BELM) def. Drew Lahey (KSU) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3

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