Brevard, N.C. – Just two days after a narrow 3-4 loss to Brevard, the Southern Virginia University men's tennis team bounced back in a big way, defeating the Tornadoes 4-2 on Monday in the opening round of the 2025 USA South Men's Tennis Conference Tournament.
The Knights showed resilience and depth throughout the match, winning four of the five completed singles matches to secure the win. After dropping two of the three doubles contests, Southern Virginia turned the tide in singles play.
Mason Pitcher and Jared Pitcher led the way for SVU. Mason secured a tough win at No. 1 singles, outlasting Hayden LeBlanc 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, while Jared battled through a three-set victory over Bryce Bernitt at No. 2 singles, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.
Also contributing in the win were Nate Walton, who defeated Ayden Montero 6-4, 6-3 at No. 3, and Trent McBride, who pulled out a solid 6-4, 6-4 win over Noah Boyles at No. 4. Despite a loss at No. 5 and an unfinished match at No. 6, the Knights clinched the team victory.
In doubles play, Southern Virginia's lone win came at the top spot where the Pitcher brothers teamed up for a 6-2 win over LeBlanc and Bernitt.
With the win, the Knights punch their ticket to the USA South semifinals, where they will face #1 seed N.C. Wesleyan on Friday, April 25 at 10:00 AM in Rocky Mount, N.C.
For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mtennis on Instagram.
