LaGrange, GA - The Piedmont College men's tennis team knocked off LaGrange College earlier today in a battle of Georgia-based programs as the Lions took an 8-1 overall match decision in USA South play.  Piedmont started off strong taking all three doubles decisions as the Panthers took only one decision in the match as Piedmont's Patrick Steck was forced to retire at the #4 singles spot.

In doubles action, it was Matthew Metzger and Mason Riza teaming up to win at the top spot as they knocked off LaGrange's Brett Piland and Wade Fegley 8-1.  At the #2 spot, newcomer Robbie Werner teamed with veteran Christopher Davidson to win a tight 8-6 decision while Patrick Steck and Joel Silverberg earned the win at the #3 spot 8-2. 

In singles action, Piedmont took all but one match as Steck's retirement at #4 was the only blemish on an 8-1 win.  Metzger won at #1 singles over Piland 6-3, 6-2 as the newcomer for PC continues to be a force at the top of the lineup.  Silverberg was the winner at #2 winning 6-3, 6-2 while Trey Martin picked up the decision at the #3 spot knocking off the Panthers' Dylan Brock 6-1, 6-2. 

Picking up the remaining two singles decisions were Mason Riza and Robbie Werner as Riza won easily 6-0, 6-1 at the #5 spot while Werner took his decision 6-1, 6-4.

Piedmont moves to 4-3 overall with the 8-1 win over LaGrange and improves to 2-1 in conference play.  The next test for PC will be quite the challenge though as they take on preseason conference favorites North Carolina Wesleyan College in a match this coming Friday in Rocky Mount.  First serve is set for 3:00 pm.

Singles competition

1. MATTHEW METZGER (PCM) def. Brett Piland (LCM) 6-3, 6-2

2. JOEL SILVERBERG (PCM) def. Alex Glass (LCM) 6-3, 6-2

3. TREY MARTIN (PCM) def. Dylan Brock (LCM) 6-1, 6-2

4. Steve Wendel (LCM) def. PATRICK STECK (PCM) 1-6, 4-1, retired

5. MASON RIZA (PCM) def. Wade Fegley (LCM) 6-0, 6-1

6. ROBBIE WERNER (PCM) def. Drew Cantrell (LCM) 6-1, 6-4

Doubles competition

1. MATTHEW METZGER/MASON RIZA (PCM) def. Brett Piland/Wade Fegley (LCM) 8-1

2. ROBBIE WERNER/CHRISTOPHER DAVIDSON (PCM) def. Steve Wendel/Alex Glass (LCM) 8-6

3. PATRICK STECK/JOEL SILVERBERG (PCM) def. Dylan Brock/Drew Cantrell (LCM) 8-2