FLORENCE, SC – South Carolina State University defeated Francis Marion University 7-0, Sunday afternoon (March 10) in non-conference men's tennis action.
 
Francis Marion drops to 5-4, while the NCAA Division I Bulldogs even their season mark at 5-5.  FMU will open Conference Carolinas play on Friday when the Patriots host Emmanuel University (Ga.) at 11 a.m. on the Kassab Courts.  Admission is free.
 
SC State won the No.2 and 3 doubles matches to earn the doubles point and take a 1-0 advantage.  FMU's No.1 doubles duo of Martin Barbera and Leonel Gonzalez were leading 5-3 in the other doubles match when the point was clinched and that contest was halted.
 
The Bulldogs then claimed all six singles matches in straight sets.
 
 
Men's Tennis Match Results
3/10/2024 at Florence, SC (Kassab Courts)
South Carolina State Univ. 7, Francis Marion University 0
Singles competition
1. Novak Novakovic (SCSU) def. Martin Barbera (FMU) 6-2, 6-3
2. Mikalai Bankou (SCSU) def. Leonel Gonzalez (FMU) 6-0, 6-3
3. Aissa Benchakroun (SCSU) def. Harri Lloyd-Evans (FMU) 6-1, 3-1, retired
4. Gabriel Johnson (SCSU) def. Ben Scott (FMU) 6-4, 6-2
5. Ivan Pauliuchenka (SCSU) def. Carlson Lim (FMU) 6-0, 6-2
6. Luka Stefanovic (SCSU) def. Adam Ernberg (FMU) 6-2, 6-3
Doubles competition
1. #44 Martin Barbera/Leonel Gonzalez (FMU) vs. Aissa Benchakroun/Bejamin Niv (SCSU) 5-3, unfinished
2. Novak Novakovic/Mikalai Bankou (SCSU) def. #39 Luis Lopez Sarasa/Austin Vienna (FMU) 6-4
3. Gabriel Johnson/Ivan Pauliuchenka (SCSU) def. Harri Lloyd-Evans/Pedro Caro (FMU) 6-1
 
Match Notes:  South Carolina State Univ. 5-5
Francis Marion University 5-4
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (3,5,1,2,6,4)
T-1:55