HICKORY, N.C. – The No. 36 ranked Queens University of Charlotte men's tennis team ran its current win streak to seven straight matches with a 5-2 victory over No. 37 Lenoir-Rhyne University on Wednesday afternoon. The victory improved the Royals to 11-4 overall and 10-1 in South Atlantic Conference action. Queens also improved to 4-2 this season against opponents ranked in the ITA Top 50 National Rankings.

"Our men were locked in today," stated Head Coach Billy Boykin. "We were hungry to play this match and we knew we'd have to be at our best - we have a lot of respect for this team and for the LR program. The guys were excellent today. This is a very united group of guys who gives everything for one another."
 
The Royals earned the first point of the day as the duo, Edoardo Bottino and Laurenz Blickwede secured their doubles match with an easy 6-4 win at No.1. Meanwhile, Berk Enc and Yoan Roussinov locked in the point for the doubles play with a 6-2 victory on No. 3.
 
The 52^nd ranked singles player according to the ITA, Edoardo Bottino, opened singles play with a flawless 6-1, 6-0 win to push the Royals ahead by two points. "Edoardo Bottino was razor sharp today," stated Boykin. "He is really hitting his stride at the right time. When he plays like this, he can beat anyone."

Edoardo Cecere would follow suit by finishing off a 6-2, 6-2 win in the second flight to move Queens one point closer to ending the match. "Edoardo Cecere was - once again outstanding for us today," explained Boykin. "Match in and match out, he is a major force for this team. He is a dynamic playmaker and the ultimate team player and he is incredibly fun to watch."
 
Laurenz Blickwede would clinch the match for Queens with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 triumph at No. 5 to secure the shutout. "I am so proud of Laurenz Blickwede as he worked so hard to put us over the line today," said Boykin. "He played gutsy - and error free tennis to go up 4-1 in the third set which was pivotal. A great effort from our freshman in a tough spot."

Berc Enc would put a fifth point on the board with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 4 singles. "Berk was dominant today winning a quick 6-0 first set which really took some of the pressure off of Edoardo and Laurenz," explained Boykin. "His energy was great and his play was even better as he was cracking the ball today and playing aggressive which is when he is at his best."
 
Queens will return to play for an intra-squad scrimmage on Friday when they celebrate Senior Day at 2:00 p.m. at the Howard Levine Tennis Center. Be sure to come down to support your loyal Seniors for their ceremony.
 
#36 Queens University of Charlotte 5, #37 Lenoir-Rhyne 2
 
Singles competition
1. #52 Edoardo Bottino (QUEENSM) def. #61 Rhodri Atkinson (LRUM) 6-1, 6-0
2. Edoardo Cecere (QUEENSM) def. Josh Lazenby (LRUM) 6-2, 6-2
3. Lewis Scott (LRUM) def. Win Steveker (QUEENSM) 7-6, 6-2
4. Berk Enc (QUEENSM) def. Joel Hemmings (LRUM) 6-0, 6-1
5. Laurenz Blickwede (QUEENSM) def. Zachary Cox (LRUM) 7-5, 3-6, 6-3
6. Mauricio Hernandez (LRUM) def. Yoan Roussinov (QUEENSM) 8-5
 
Doubles competition
1. Edoardo Bottino/Laurenz Blickwede (QUEENSM) def. Rhodri Atkinson/Josh Lazenby (LRUM) 6-4
2. Mauricio Hernandez/Zachary Cox (LRUM) def. Edoardo Cecere/Win Steveker (QUEENSM) 6-4
3. Berk Enc/Yoan Roussinov (QUEENSM) def. Lewis Scott/Patrik Alvestrand (LRUM) 6-2