ORANGEBURG, S.C. (April 4, 2024) – South Carolina State men’s tennis remained perfect in league play posting an 5-2 victory over visiting Norfolk State Monday (April 1) at the Hardeep Judge Tennis Center.
Norfolk State took its first loss of conference play falling to 9-8 overall, 3-1 MEAC, while SC State improved to 10-5 overall, 4-0 in the league.
The Spartans (9-8, 3-1 MEAC) remained competitive throughout the contest at Hardeep Judge Tennis Center but couldn’t overcome the defending MEAC champion SCSU (10-5, 4-0).
South Carolina State swept the opening doubles point, winning 6-3 on Court 1, 6-2 on Court 2, and 6-4 on Court 3.
Gabriel Johnson defeated Antoni Pankowski 6-0, 6-1 at the No. 5 slot, before Mikalai Bankou gave SCSU a 3-0 lead with a 6-1, 6-2 win on Court 2. Novak Novakovic clinched the team match by defeating Jakub Solarski 6-3, 6-4 at the top spot.
Deniz Okyay got the Spartans on the board with a 7-6 (7-3), 2-1 win by opponent retirement, the freshman’s fifth consecutive singles victory.
Ivan Pauliuchenka bested Boris Lunin 6-4, 7-5 on Court 6, before McRae closed out the afternoon with his singles win.
South Carolina State returns to action Sunday (April 7) on the road versus UNC Wilmington in a 2 pm start.