Charleston, W.Va. - The University of Charleston Men's Tennis team advanced to the semifinals of the WVIAC tournament after knocking off West Liberty 5-1 at the Charleston Tennis Indoor Center.

The Golden Eagles took a 2-1 lead after doubles play. Sam Humphrey and Dennis Okoth notched an 8-6 victory at the No. 1 doubles’ spot while Matt Sherba and James Gammell teamed up for an 8-2 win at the No. 2 slot. The Hilltoppers got on the board as Darren Liebenberg and Alex Hayden tallied a thrilling 8-6 victory.

UC clinched the match with three wins in singles action. Sherba, playing as the No. 1 seed, garnered a 6-1, 6-1 win while Gammell totaled a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 3. Jake Larenz’s 6-4, 6-1 victory at the No. 5 position helped the squad advance to the semifinals.

Doubles:
No. 1 Sam Humphrey/Dennis Okuth (UC) def. Ivan Irazabal/Raphael Machado 8-6
No. 2 Matt Sherba/James Gammell (UC) def. Gui Lima/Vinnie Guarda 8-2
No. 3 Darren Liebenberg/Alex Hayden (WLU) def. Rico Williams/Gabe Seymour

Singles:
No. 1 Sherba (UC) def. Irazabal 6-1, 6-1
No. 3 Gammell (UC) def. Guarda (WLU) 6-1, 6-3
No. 5 Jake Larenz (UC) def. Hayden (WLU) 6-4, 6-1

Charleston will return to action tomorrow for the semis at 1pm against the winner of the WV Wesleyan vs. D&E match being played later today.  Should UC advance with a win tomorrow in the semifinals, the finals of the WVIAC tournament will be played Sunday at 1pm.