by Kevin Buczek
WILSON, N.C.-Barton College had a strong showing throughout its lineup in the team's home and Conference Carolinas opener en route to an 8-1 men's tennis victory over visiting North Greenville University on Saturday afternoon at the Barton Tennis Complex.
The Bulldogs (1-2 Overall, 1-0 Conf.) swept doubles to gain control of the match before coasting their first win of the season. The Crusaders (0-3, 0-3) departed town still winless on the campaign.
Sophomore Max Leppert and freshman Rafael Ruiz Velasco had the Bulldogs most dominating matches at the top of the lineup. The duo won the marquee doubles match without losing a game. Leppert (6-2, 6-4) and Ruiz (6-1, 6-1) then won at No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively, in straight sets.
Ruiz remained undefeated in dual matches with a 3-0 record. Leppert moved over .500 at 2-1.
The pairing of sophomore Jorge Pradilla and freshman Nick Genest recorded an 8-6 triumph in the middle doubles match. The freshman tandem of Daniel Radu and Mihnea Tomos completed the doubles sweep with an 8-5 victory in the other draw.
Pradilla had the most compelling singles match in the third hole, rallying from a first set deficit to defeat sophomore Juan Vargas by a score of 4-6, 6-1, 10-8.
Radu (6-2, 6-1) rolled at No. 5 and Tomos (6-1, 7-5) held on at No. 6 for their first singles W's in collegiate dual matches.
NGU freshman Sergio Araujo Filho prevented the sweep with a 6-1, 6-0 victory in the fourth singles match.
Barton next plays at Chowan University in a non-conference tilt at 2:30 p.m.
