Florence, S.C.----The 11th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs took home the title at the 2019 City of Florence Invitational, taking down Francis Marion and fifth-ranked Lander in NCAA Division II men's tennis action Saturday. Wingate opened the day with a 4-0 victory over Francis Marion, while a 4-3 win over the fifth-ranked Bearcats gave Wingate the title.

THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH MICHAEL CABANA

"The men showed tremendous grit and fight today. Today was the first time we lost the doubles point, so it was great to see their tenacity in singles after going down early. We had a lot of close matches and that never-quit mindset paid off. I think those early runs and lifts paid off! I'm proud of their effort and it was a huge win for the guys and this program!"

MATCH ONE | #11 Wingate 4 Francis Marion 0

DOUBLES

- Daniel Belsito and Josep Canyadell rolled to a 6-2 win at one doubles
- Tamir Geva and Matthew Jones teamed for a 6-1 victory at three doubles to give Wingate the doubles point

SINGLES

- Belsito rolled to a 6-3, 6-4 win at one singles
- Jones won 6-3, 6-3 at number two singles
- Canyadell prevailed 6-2, 6-4 at number four singles
- Tolunay Sumer, Enrico Giacomini and Tamir Geva were up a set at three, five and six singles when the match was clinched

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH | #11 Wingate 4, #5 Lander 3

DOUBLES

- The Bearcats won at two and three doubles to claim the doubles point
- Belsito and Canyadell led 6-5 at one doubles when the point was clinched

SINGLES

- Belsito cruised to a 6-0, 6-4 victory at number one singles
- Canyadell added a 6-3, 6-3 victory at four singles
- Giacomini won 6-2, 6-2 at five singles, which tied the match 3-3
- Sumer won the clincher at three singles, prevailing 6-7, 6-4, 6-4

UP NEXT

- The Bulldogs are back in action next Saturday at Davidson
- Wingate's home opener is Feb. 23, hosting Mars Hill in the SAC opener at 1 p.m.