FLORENCE, SC – Francis Marion University rallied in singles play with wins from juniors Paul Meuwissen and William Anth-Forsberg, but the Patriots eventually dropped a 5-2 decision to regionally ranked Tusculum University, Thursday afternoon (March 12) in non-conference men's tennis action.

Francis Marion (5-5) will open Peach Belt Conference play on the road against 14th-ranked Flagler College on March 21 at noon.

The Pioneers swept all three doubles matches, but the No.1 and 3 matches were by narrow 7-5 and 7-6 (7-3) decisions.

After Tusculum won tight decisions at the top two singles positions to take a 3-0 advantage, Francis Marion rallied. Meuwissen won his No.6 singles match 7-5, 6-4 and Anth-Forsberg was victorious 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 at No. 4 to draw the Patriots to within 3-2.

However, Tusculum (7-4) earned wins at the remaining two positions (No.5 and 3) to clinch the match.

Men's Tennis
Mar 12, 2020 at Florence, SC (Kassab Courts)
Tusculum University 5, Francis Marion University 2
Singles competition
1. David Akinpetide (TU) def. Mauricio Guerrero (FMU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
2. Frank Bonacia (TU) def. Alex Regner (FMU) 6-0, 7-6 (7-4)
3. Leon Huck (TU) def. Liam Day (FMU) 7-5, 6-0
4. Will Anth-Forsberg (FMU) def. Manuel Almeida (TU) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5
5. Vadzim Raitsou (TU) def. Brandon Sweeney (FMU) 6-3, retired
6. Paul Meuwissen (FMU) def. Marco Meon (TU) 7-5, 6-4
Doubles competition
1. David Akinpetide/Frank Bonacia (TU) def. Mauricio Guerrero/Alex Regner (FMU) 7-5
2. Gabriel Yaguar/Manuel Almeida (TU) def. Will Anth-Forsberg/Charles Hutchings (FMU) 6-3
3. Jacco Mensinga/Leon Huck (TU) def. Liam Day/Matt Astell (FMU) 7-6 (7-3)
 
Match Notes: Tusculum University 7-4; Regional ranking #9 Francis Marion University 5-5
Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (2,1,6,4,5,3)