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Lander University

HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
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Winner Flagler FLG (12-2, 2-0 PBC)
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Lander University LU (11-2, 2-1 PBC)
Winner
Flagler FLG
(12-2, 2-0 PBC)
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Final
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Lander University LU
(11-2, 2-1 PBC)
MTEN Group Shot
Hailey Franklin

Match Recap: Men's Tennis | | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

No. 3 Flagler Outlasts No. 25 Lander in Hard-Fought 4-3 Battle

GREENWOOD - In a tightly contested Peach Belt Conference matchup, No. 3 Flagler edged out No. 25 Lander 4-3 on Saturday afternoon at the Joe Cabri Tennis Center. Despite a valiant singles effort from the Bearcats, the Saints' early doubles dominance and key singles victories proved enough to secure the win.

Doubles Recap

Flagler set the tone early by sweeping all three doubles matches to claim the day's first point. At No. 1 doubles, the nationally ranked tandem of Simon Malis and Ilian Borlee held off a strong challenge from Lander's Harry Pugh and Brendan Jayaprakash, winning a tense 7-6(8) battle. 

The Saints took control at No. 2 doubles, where Makary Adamek and Filip Kana dismantled Markus Sorensen and Max Barriere 6-2. 

Baptiste Mercier and Aly El Rafie completed the sweep with a 6-3 win over Benjamin Bates and Ludvig Danielsson at No. 3, giving Flagler an early 1-0 advantage.

Singles Recap

Lander fought back hard in singles play, securing three crucial victories but ultimately falling short. Pugh delivered a standout performance at No. 1 singles, defeating No. 63 Malis in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, to put the Bearcats on the board.

At No. 2 singles, Merlin Bellet continued Lander's momentum with a composed 6-4, 6-4 victory over No. 30 Mercier, tying the match at 2-2. 

However, Flagler quickly responded as Borlee dominated Julian Peter 6-3, 6-0 at No. 3 to push the Saints ahead again.

The battle at No. 4 singles was one of the day's most intense matches, with Lander's Ismail ElShafei emerging victorious in a grueling 7-5, 7-6(7) showdown against Adamek, once again evening the score at 3-3. 

With the match hanging in the balance, Flagler clinched the victory thanks to strong performances at No. 5 and No. 6. Kana dispatched Mouad Naoui 6-3, 6-1 at No. 5, while El Rafie edged out Jayaprakash in a tense 7-6(8), 6-3 battle at No. 6 to seal the win for the Saints.

UP NEXT 
The Bearcats will look to rebound as they host the University of North Georgia on Friday, April 4, at 3:00 PM at the Joe Cabri Tennis Center in another crucial Peach Belt Conference showdown.
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