NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Pfeiffer 5, Piedmont 2
Records: Piedmont, 0-1; Pfeiffer, 3-0

MISENHEIMER, N.C. - Piedmont men's tennis was unable to upend an undefeated Pfeiffer team, falling 5-2 in Misenheimer, North Carolina on Friday afternoon's season opener.

The Falcons took the doubles point and then clinched the match with a solid performance in singles, winning 4-of-6 matches.

Doubles action saw Pfeiffer score a win at No. 1 doubles, 6-2, and then take the point with a 6-4 victory at No. 3. Although No. 2 doubles team of Mark Backeberg and Charles Parnell was triumphant at No. 2, 6-2, the Lions efforts were not enough as the Falcons eked out two doubles wins.

Singles action saw the Falcons continue to surge forward, taking 4-of-6 first sets.

The Falcons came out strong, taking the first two singles points before sophomore Leyton Dunn stole the third singles point 6-2, 7-6 (1). Pressing forward, sophomore Horacio Rodriguez came out victorious 6-3, 7-6 (4). 

Unfortunately, Pfeiffer was able to take No. 1 and No. 3 after two hard-fought three-set matches late in the afternoon. Pfeiffer clinched the match with a 7-5, 6-2 success at No. 6. 

As the last match on court, junior Rohan Kavali battled back after dropping a conclusive first set to challenge for a win in the second set, but fell in the match-deciding third set to conclude the match.

Up next, the Lions will be back in action tomorrow against Virginia Wesleyan in Misenheimer, N.C. at 11 a.m.

TURNING POINT:
- The Falcons accelerated early to take 4-of-6 first sets in singles play after claiming the doubles point. 

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