CHARLESTON, W. Va. – For the first time in school history, the University of Charleston Men's Tennis team advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. In the first round of the Atlantic Region, the Golden Eagles defeated the Bobcats from West Virginia Wesleyan for the third time this season by a score of 4-1.

Charleston got off to a quick start by taking doubles point winning first and second doubles.  The duo of Frantisek PIrek and Lennert Stevens quickly dispatched the Wesleyan doubles team 6-1.  At first doubles, Drew Dagostine and John Giesberts clinched the doubles point by a score of 6-4.  Third doubles did not finish because the doubles point was clinched. Magil and Patel were leading 4-3 when the match was abandoned.

The Golden Eagles struggled in singles.  Krish Patel at number 5 singles won the first set 6-0, but the rest of the team all dropped their first sets.  With their backs against the wall, the team needed to step up and they did.  Giesberts (#1), Pirek (#2), Magil (#4) and Martinez (#6) all won their seconds sets to force third sets. 

Meanwhile Krish Patel (#5) finished his match by a score of 6-0, 2-1 (retire) and Drew Dagostine lost at second singles by a score of 6-0, 6-2.  With Charleston leading the match score 2-1, Alex Martinez added the third point with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 win at 6^th singles. 

It was Pirek with the clinching match at 3^rd singles by a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.  Magil and Giesberts matches remained unfinished.

Man of the match was Frantisek Pirek who earned wins in both singles and doubles. 

About the slow start to singles, Coach Sam Clarke said "Although we lacked energy to start the singles, I was proud of the boys in fighting their way back in to the matches." 

NEXT UP:
The Golden Eagles will take on Bluefield State College whom they will meet in Atlantic Regional finals with the winner advancing to the Elite 8 in Surprise Arizona.