Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Tennis Team opened their 2017-18 season Saturday as they took part in the UC Invite against Union and Lincoln Memorial at the UC Tennis Courts.  Competing as individuals each school played two matches, with each match beginning with a score of 1-1.

The Patriots had added six new players to this year's line-up led by Rodrigo Ratte, who went 2-0 at No. 2 singles.  Ratte rallied to Borna Bartolovic of Union 2-6, 6-2, 10-8 in his first match and followed it up with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Constantin Ernstberger of Lincoln Memorial.  Luis Montull dropped the first set 1-6 to Srdjan Trosic of Union but rallied to win the next two 6-3, 10-3 for the victory.  Montull battled David Segarra of Lincoln Memorial but fell 5-7, 4-6. 

Miles Matthews was the other Patriot to score a win in singles with a 9-7 win against Union.  He finished the day 1-1 in singles play.

In doubles play Ratte partnered with Aatu Merenheimo at No.1 doubles for an 8-3 win over Union to start the day. Against Lincoln Memorial the duo fought hard but it wasn't enough as they fell 6-8.  At No. 3 doubles, Igor Golubovic teamed with Patrick Oliveira four an 8-6 win against Lincoln Memorial.

Eric Banoub and Montull played two tight matches at No. 2 doubles, but fell 6-8 to Union and 5-8 to Lincoln Memorial.

The Patriots will return to action Saturday, September 16, when they travel to Harrogate, TN to take part in Lincoln Memorial Speed Tournament. 

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