GREENEVILLE, TENN - The Queens University of Charlotte men's tennis team picked up their second consecutive victory defeating No. 33 Tusculum University by a final score of 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at the Nichols Tennis Complex. The victory improved the Royals to 6-4 overall and 5-1 in South Atlantic Conference play
 
"I couldn't be prouder of our guys for their collective efforts today in a really tough environment," stated head coach Billy Boykin. "It was cold, very windy, and the opposing crowd was really into the match. Our guys kept their focus and never quit on each other. This win was all heart."

Though, Edoardo Bottino and Laurenz Blickwede had an outstanding performance with a 7-6 win at No.1 doubles play, it wasn't enough to stop the Pioneers winning a 7-5 tie-breaker to clinch the doubles point and take a 1-0 match lead.
 
In singles play, the Royals were without Edoardo Cecere today—one of the team's most consistent threats. This didn't discourage Edoardo Bottino as he fought his heart into multiple match points in the third set tie-breaker for a comeback win. His dominant win at No. 1 singles brought the Royals within one of the Pioneers.
 
"Edoardo Bottino gave us a huge lift with his win at number 1 singles," said Boykin. "His performance in the third was as gutsy and fearless as it gets. Never count him out."
 
Freshman Win Steveker followed Bottino's footsteps as he put in his best performance of the year, securing a pivotal 3rd point for the Royals with an utterly dominant 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 2 singles. "Freshman Win Steveker was incredible today," emphasized Boykin. "He beat one of the best players in the country to give us chance at the overall match. When Win is locked in like he was out there today, his level is scary good."
 
Freshman Laurenz Blickwede also fought off double-match point in the third set (6-1, 6-7, 7-6) to bring the Royals level at 2-2. The Royals outstanding effort allowed them to fight off five overall match points on two separate courts to pull out the win, including senior Jan Malmon as he clinched the win for the Royals with a 6-4, 6-2 win at No.6 singles.
 
"Coming into this match, we knew that experience would be factor in the end. We have a lot of respect for Tusculum's team—they won the conference last year and are consistently one of the top teams in the nation," said Coach Boykin. "Senior Jan Malmon delivered in the clutch. He controlled the match with his athleticism and shot selection. We were happy to have so much experience on the court in the final moments of the match. He was the perfect closer."
 
The Royals will be going for another South Atlantic Conference win as they host Limestone University this Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Howard Levine Tennis Center. Be sure to come down and support the team.
 
Queens University of Charlotte 4, #33 Tusculum 3
 
Singles competition
1. #50 Edoardo Bottino (QUEENSM) def. Nemanja Subanovic (TU) 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2)
2. Win Steveker (QUEENSM) def. #60 Frank Bonacia (TU) 6-1, 6-4
3. Laurenz Blickwede (QUEENSM) def. Kenta Kondou (TU) 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4)
4. Robin Eldin (TU) def. Yoan Roussinov (QUEENSM) 6-3, 6-3
5. Nathan Matsuguma (TU) def. Berk Enc (QUEENSM) 6-7 (8-10), 6-3, 6-3
6. Jan Malmon (QUEENSM) def. Marco Jalalian (TU) 6-4, 6-2
 
Doubles competition
1. Edoardo Bottino/Laurenz Blickwede (QUEENSM) def. Nemanja Subanovic/Marco Jalalian (TU) 7-6
2. Jacco Mensinga/Nathan West (TU) def. Win Steveker/Yoan Roussinov (QUEENSM) 6-4 3. Frank Bonacia/Kenta Kondou (TU) def. Berk Enc/Euan Lynes (QUEENSM) 7-6