Men's Tennis | 4/21/2017 12:42:00 PM

Box Score

Rock Hill, S.C.----The second-seeded and 42nd-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs went 4-0 in singles play Friday morning, rallying for a 5-2 victory over third-seeded Lincoln Memorial University in the semifinals of the men's tennis SAC Tournament. Wingate improves to 17-4 overall, advancing to Saturday's championship match. The Railsplitters fall to 17-4 on the season.

The Railsplitters took a 2-1 lead in doubles play, winning 8-4 at number one doubles and 8-6 at two doubles. Wingate junior Theo Dessacs (Toulouse, France) teamed with sophomore Duncan Addison (Halifax, Canada) for an 8-6 victory at three doubles to get the Bulldogs on the board heading to singles play.

First team All-SAC senior Filippo Pezzoli (Milan, Italy) won 6-3, 6-2 at number one singles to tie the match. Second team All-SAC freshman Daniel Belsito (Charlotte, N.C.) put the 'Dogs on top with a 7-6, 6-0 victory at number two singles. Senior Amir Zari (Jerusalem, Israel) won 6-2, 6-3 at five singles to give Wingate a 4-2 advantage. Junior Josh DuToit (Charlotte, N.C.) won the clincher at four singles, prevailing 6-3, 7-5 to send Wingate to the championship match.

The Bulldogs will play for the SAC title Saturday morning at 9 a.m., taking on top-seeded Queens in Rock Hill. The Royals defeated the Bulldogs 5-4 in the regular season, handing Wingate its only SAC setback of the season. Queens went 11-0 in league play. The Royals defeated the Bulldogs 5-1 in last year's SAC Tournament. Wingate is looking for a fourth SAC Tournament title in the last six years.