Pikeville, KY – A day after knocking off the 14^th-ranked team in the country, the 18^th-ranked UC men's tennis team defeated Pikeville 8-1 to extend their win streak to four matches Saturday afternoon. With the win the Patriots improve to 8-4 overall and 3-1 in MSC play, while the Bears move to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

Anthony Kwok and Jan Dietrich got the scoring started for the Patriots with an 8-0 win at #3 doubles to give UC a 1-0 lead. The win is the third straight for the duo as the improve to 6-5 on the season.  Cumberlands top doubles pair of Eric Banoub and Martin Barbier continues their strong play with an 8-5 win to improve to 10-2 on the season. Pikeville posted an 8-6 win at #2 doubles to cut UC's lead to 2-1 heading into singles play.

Barbier improved to 4-0 against the Mid-South Conference and 9-2 on the season with a 6-0, 6-1 win at #2 doubles to give Cumberlands a 3-1 lead.  Banoub and Kwok blanked their respective opponents 6-0, 6-0 at #5 and #6 singles, respectfully, to clinch the match for the Patriots.

At #4 doubles Jan Dietrich posted a 6-1, 6-2 win over Luis Gayoso to improve to 2-2 in conference play.  At #1 singles, Aatu Merenheimo dropped his first set to Martyn Icke however rallied to take the second set 6-2.  Merenheimo won the third set 10-3 to give Cumberlands a 7-1 lead.  Luis Montull rallied in three sets to defeat Medina (2-6, 6-1, 10-7) for the 8-1 final.

Montull remains unbeaten in conference play and improves to 7-4 overall on the season.

The Patriots will return to the court Wednesday, April 3, when they travel to Jefferson City, TN to face Carson-Newman.  First serve is set for 2 p.m.

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