MACON, Ga. – The Kennesaw State men's tennis team handed Mercer its second-straight loss in a 6-1 route on Monday afternoon. With the win, KSU (3-2) has defeated the Bears (4-3) in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history.
 
"The guys did a great job today of taking care of business", said Director of Tennis Matt Emery. "Our intensity in the doubles carried over into the singles, winning five of six first sets. We are a difficult team to beat when we jump on teams like we did today."
 
The Owls picked up the doubles point for the second consecutive match giving the team an early advantage. Hugo Salmeron/Matthew Terry cruised to a quick 6-2 victory on court two. The duo was followed by Kevin Patel/Seru Tezuka who earned a 6-2 win of their own to clinch the doubles point. Harvey Conway/Raul Garcia were up 5-3, but the match went unfinished due to the Owls securing two sets.
 
KSU notched five of the six singles points to run away with the match. This marked the second time this season the Owls accomplished the five-of-six feat. Terry earned the win from court one with a 6-0, 7-5 performance. He was joined by Garcia (6-3, 6-3), Conway (7-6 (4), 6-4), Tezuka (7-6 (7), 6-0) and Salmeron (6-4, 6-1) who each needed only two sets to secure the win.     
 
After today's match, KSU is off to its best start since the 2016 campaign. Up next, the Owls welcome UTC for the 2022 home opener this Friday, Feb. 18 at the Betty Siegel Tennis Courts. Match time is set to begin at 3:00 p.m.
 
 
Kennesaw State 6, Mercer 1

Singles competition
1. Matthew Terry won 6-0, 7-5
2. Raul Garcia won 6-3, 6-3
3. Harvey Conway won 7-6 (4), 6-4
4. Kevin Patel fell 4-6, 6-0, 0-1 (7-10)
5. Seru Tezuka won 7-6 (7), 6-0
6. Hugo Salmeron won 6-4, 6-1

Doubles competition
1. Harvey Conway/Raul Garcia unfinished 5-3
2. Matthew Terry/Hugo Salmeron won 6-2
3. Seru Tezuka/Kevin Patel won 6-2


Match Notes: Kennesaw State 3-2, Mercer 4-3