MONTREAT, N.C. – The University of Pikeville men's tennis team continued play in their first season under Coach Daniel Christian on Thursday, picking up a 4-3 win over Montreat (N.C.) College.
 
The University of Pikeville took four of the six singles points to earn a conference win over Montreat.
 
The day began with doubles action, where Montreat earned a sweep to take the first point of the day. Sophomores Ahmed Hassairi and Haithem Rabbouche lost in No. 1 doubles to Julian Stolevski and Paul Saemann 6-1.
 
Senior Alfonso Robinson and freshman Rafael Gonzalez had a tight match with Lucas Descalzi and Vitor Monteiro but ultimately lost 7-5, while junior Anton Hoffman and senior Matthew Rodgers were taken down by Youssef Idboufous and Fabrizio Monero by a score of 6-2.
 
In singles play, UPike took the point in No. 1 singles when Rabbouche beat Ben Smith 6-0, 6-0. Robinson fell in No. 2 singles by a score of 6-1, 6-0 to Monterio.
 
At No. 3, Hassairi beat Descalzi 6-3, 6-3, while Hoffman lost at No. 4 to Idboufous 7-6, 6-1.
 
But the Bears took the final two points, with Rodgers knocking off Monero 6-4, 6-3 and Gonzalez needing three sets but taking care of Saemann 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.
 
The Bears will return to action on Friday afternoon, returning home to face Tennessee Wesleyan University. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.