NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 6, Methodist 3
Record: Piedmont, 6-2
DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont men's tennis team earned its first-ever win at home over Methodist University 6-3 on Sunday behind a big comeback by rookie
Mark Backeberg. The freshman from Cape Town, South Africa came through in the third set for the second clinch of his young career.
Piedmont earned a huge point in doubles after the match was tied 1-1 as
Mike Porcelli and
Bryce VanOrder fought back from down 6-3 to earn an 8-7 (3) win at No. 3 doubles.
Silas Sandles and
Charles Parnell took an 8-3 win at No. 2 doubles to put Piedmont on the board first while Methodist claimed No. 1 doubles 8-6.
Leading 2-1, Sandles was the first off in singles with a 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 6 followed by VanOrder who won at No. 2 6-2, 6-2. The Lions were leading 4-1 and needed just one, but the Monarchs took their first line in singles at No. 1 as
Yannick Wassmer Navarro lost 6-2, 7-6 (5).
It came down to the final three matches on the court as Piedmont needed just one win. It was freshman
Mark Backeberg who was the first to deliver with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win at No. 3 for the clinch.
Connor Phelps also won at No. 4 6-4, 7-6 (8), 6-3.
Piedmont is now 2-11 all-time against the Monarchs with the two wins coming in the last two meetings.
Up next, the Lions will begin CCS competition at Huntingdon on Friday March 1 at 3 p.m.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
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Mark Backeberg earned a win at No. 4 to clinch the match for his second clinch of his career.
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