Oct. 3, 2015

BELTON, S.C. ââ’¬” South Carolina men’s tennis got off to a perfect 9-0 start on Friday at the South Carolina Men’s Collegiate Championships after all five players won in singles and the Gamecocks collected four wins in doubles. The event, featuring a Championship Draw and Flight Two draw for singles and a Championship Draw for doubles, got underway Friday despite heavy perspiration in the area.

“Today was a great start for the guys,” said assistant coach Ryan Young. “Our goal coming into this event was to compete and lay everything on the line in each match. We were nearly flawless today with a 9-0 mark, but will be tested more tomorrow. Our team will have to come out prepared and ready for battle if we want to be successful.”

Juniors Andrew Schafer and Sam Swank, sophomore Thomas Mayronne and freshmen Yancy Dennis and Wood Benton all entered the event in the 32-player Championship Draw and notched wins in the first round. They advance to the round of 16 on Saturday looking to advance.

The Gamecocks continued their success in doubles. Playing in a bracketed format, Sam Swank and Yancy Dennis advanced to the next round along with fellow Gamecocks Thomas Mayronne and Andrew Schafer. Wood Benton, paired with Wofford’s Patrick Longest, also advanced.

The Gamecocks resume play Saturday.

FRIDAY RESULTS

Singles
Wood Benton (SC) def. Alan Poric (Woff.), 7-6, 6-3
Yancy Dennis (SC) def. Joe Bove (Citadel), 6-0, 6-1
Thomas Mayronne (SC) def. Andrew Graham (Woff.), 6-2, 7-6
Andrew Schafer (SC) def. Ramiro Uretta (And.), 6-0, 6-1
Sam Swank (SC) def. Josh Pistorious (Furman), 7-5, 6-4

Doubles
Mayronne/Schafer (SC) def. Arney/Steryous (Furman), 6-1
Dennis/Swank (SC) def. Hobson/Grady (Citadel), 6-3
Benton/Longest (SC/Woff.) def. Iriberri/Uretta (And.), 6-1
Benton/Longest (SC/Woff.) def. Munns/Pistotius (Furman/Woff.), 6-3