Aiken, S.C.----The third-seeded and sixth-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs rolled past the sixth-seeded and 17th-ranked Queens University Royals Saturday afternoon, prevailing 4-0 in the opening round of the 2019 NCAA Southeast Region Men's Tennis Tournament. Wingate improves to 20-4 overall and 20-2 against Division II opponents this season, advancing to the second round to take on USC Aiken Sunday. The Royals end their season at 14-6 overall.

THOUGHTS FROM MICHAEL CABANA

"The guys played very well today! I'm very proud of our effort and focus. Queens is a tough team and to have to play them for a third time in the span of a month is tough. We have given ourselves an opportunity and we need to begin to prepare for USC Aiken."

DOUBLES

- The nation's second-ranked doubles team of Daniel Belsito and Josep Canyadell rolled to a 6-1 win over the 12th-ranked team at one doubles
- Enrico Giacomini teamed with Roy Stepanov for a 6-4 victory at two doubles to clinch the point
- Wingate took a 1-0 lead into singles play

SINGLES

- Belsito, ranked 24th in the nation, prevailed 6-2, 6-3 over the nation's 68th-ranked player
- Stepanov rolled to a 6-2, 6-3 win at number four singles
- Giacomini picked up a 6-2, 6-2 victory at six singles
- Matthew Jones bounced back from a first-set loss at two singles to win 6-4 in set two and led 1-0 in set three when the match was clinched
- Canyadell won 6-3 in set one at three singles and had a 4-2 lead in the second set
- Tolunay Sumer won the opening set 6-3 and was tied 3-3 in the second set at five singles

NOTES

- Wingate is making its seventh NCAA Tournament appearance and second straight
- This is the fourth appearance in the last six years for the Bulldogs
- Third NCAA Tournament victory for Wingate
- Second straight year WU has won the opening-round match
- Wingate will face USC Aiken in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year
- The 'Dogs downed the Pacers 5-0 in the opening round last season
- Third victory over Queens this season for the Bulldogs and fourth straight
- WU won 4-3 in the regular season and 4-1 in the SAC title match over the Royals
- Wingate also defeated Queens in the 2018 SAC title match
- The Bulldogs are now 9-2 against ranked opponents this season
- Second straight 20-win season for Wingate
- Belsito and Canyadell improve to 16-2 at number one doubles this season
- Giacomini and Stepanov are 13-4 in doubles play, going 10-3 at two doubles
- Belsito improves to 15-4 in singles play this year and 51-9 in his career (all 1 & 2 singles)
- Belsito knocks off a ranked opponent for the third time in his last four matches
- Ninth win of the year for Stepanov, moving to 4-1 at number four singles
- Giacomini moves to 17-3 on the year, ranking second on the team in singles victories

UP NEXT

- Wingate will face #5 USC Aiken Sunday at 9 a.m. in the regional semifinals
- The Pacers defeated #14 North Georgia 4-1 earlier Saturday
- The winner advances to the Round of 16 in Florida
- The Round of 16 through the finals will take place May 21-24 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.