Dahlonega, Ga.----The fourth-seeded and 19th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs took down fifth-seeded and 26th-ranked Tusculum University 4-1 in the opening round of the 2021 NCAA Southeast Region men's tennis tournament Friday afternoon. Wingate improves to 13-2 overall, advancing to Saturday's regional semifinals. The Pioneers end their season at 17-4 overall.

DOUBLES

- Josep Canyadell and Matt Jones teamed for a 6-2 victory at three doubles
- Enrico Giacomini and Edis Nokic prevailed 7-6 at two doubles to clinch the point
- Roy Stepanov and Matteo Gostoli were tied 6-6 at one doubles when the point was clinched

SINGLES

- Giacomini rolled to a 6-2, 6-1 victory at one singles
- A 6-4, 6-1 win from George Barfoot at three singles gave the 'Dogs a 3-1 lead in the match
- Tolunay Sumer won the clincher at two singles
- He prevailed 6-4, 7-6 to give Wingate the 4-1 victory
- Stepanov won the first set 6-2 before dropping set two at five singles
- His match was in the third set when the 'Dogs clinched the win
- Nokic rallied back from a 6-1 loss in set one at six singles, winning set two 6-2
- The third set was tied 2-2 when the match was clinched

NOTES

- Wingate is making its third straight NCAA Tourney appearance
- It is the eighth appearance all-time for the Bulldogs
- Third straight season the 'Dogs have won the NCAA Tourney opener
- A first team All-SAC selection, Giacomini is ranked 44th in the nation in singles play
- He is now 11-2 at #1 singles this season
- Sumer went 2-0 at #2 singles against the Pioneers this season
- Barfoot improves to 8-1 in singles play on the year
- The Giacomini/Nokic duo improves to 9-0 on the season
- The Canyadell/Jones duo moves to 9-3 on the year

UP NEXT

- Wingate is onto the regional semifinals Saturday at 3 p.m.
- The Bulldogs will face #1 Columbus State Saturday in Dahlonega
- The region title match is Sunday at 3 p.m.