Florence, S.C.----The 17th-ranked Francis Marion University Patriots overcame a 2-1 deficit after doubles play Sunday afternoon, winning four of six singles matches to hold on for a 5-4 victory over No. 42 Wingate University in NCAA Division II men's tennis action. The Patriots improve to 2-1 overall, while the Bulldogs fall to 2-3 on the season.

Junior Neal Towlson (Warwick, Bermuda) and sophomore Sebastian Hall (Lörrach, Germany) registered an 8-6 win at number one doubles, while freshmen Fillippo Pezzoli (Milan, Italy) and Tyler Schofer (Graham, N.C.) teamed for an 8-6 victory at number three doubles to give the 'Dogs a 2-1 lead heading to singles action.

Hall rallied after dropping the opening set at number two singles, winning 6-0, 6-3 in the final two sets to notch his second win of the day. Freshman Connor Kudrick (Spring, Texas) added a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory at number four singles for the Bulldogs.

Wingate is back in action Monday, hosting Georgia Regents Augusta at 1 p.m.

#17 Francis Marion 5, #42 Wingate 4

Singles competition
1. Gavin Davison (FMU) def. Neal Towlson (WU) 7-5, 6-3
2. Sebastian Hall (WU) def. Tim Ruepke (FMU) 4-6, 6-0, 6-3
3. Eimon Heywood (FMU) def. Fillippo Pezzoli (WU) 6-2, 6-0
4. Connor Kudrick (WU) def. Marius Wahlier (FMU) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
5. J. Roettlingsberger (FMU) def. Ryan Forbes (WU) 6-2, 6-1
6. Richard Ashforth (FMU) def. Tyler Schofer (WU) 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)

Doubles competition
1. Neal Towlson/Sebastian Hall (WU) def. Marius Wahlier/Tim Ruepke (FMU) 8-6
2. Gavin Davison/Richard Ashforth (FMU) def. Ryan Forbes/Connor Kudrick (WU) 8-3
3. Fillippo Pezzoli/Tyler Schofer (WU) def. J. Roettlingsberger/Eimon Heywood (FMU) 8-6

Match Notes:  Wingate 2-3; National ranking #42
Francis Marion 2-1; National ranking #17; Regional ranking #5