Riverside–The UC Riverside Men's Tennis Team was victorious in both of its matches today on the SRC Courts winning against Concordia and Villanova by the score of 4-3 in each of the matches.

In the first match of the day, the Highlanders edged Concordia 4-3. UCR picked up wins on doubles courts no. 2 and no. 3 to secure the opening point.

Kyle McCann and Cooper Bridge made quick work of their opponents in line 1 and 2 singles respectively, with both prevailing 6-0, 6-2.

Freshman Gilbert Chung was the next to finish his match in position no. 5. He would get the match clinching point for the squad with a 6-3, 6-1 victory.

Play continued on in singles, and the Eagles won the remaining three matches to make 4-3 the final tally.       

The second match of the day saw the Highlanders drop two out of three doubles matches with McCann and Cohen battling to the lone UCR victory, 7-5.

Villanova held a one-point advantage throughout the match until the last two matches were in play in line 2 and 5 singles. With the Wildcats leading 3-2, Chung got the equalizer with a 6-3, 7-5 decision over Tommy Mulfur on court five.

With the match tied at three apiece, McCann was in a the midst of a three set battle on court no. 2. The sophomore from San Jose took the first set 7-5, but gave up the second 6-1 forcing a decisive third frame.

McCann, who was dealing with an ankle injury, battled back from being down 5-2  to defeat 'Nova's Stefan Suarez, 7-5 to earn the line two singles victory and the match clinching point.

"It was the first time this season I felt we competed as a team, and all of sudden, we win against a great team." said Coach Johansson. 

"Having match point to clinch the doubles point, but not being able to close it out did not bother the guys, and the went out and won four out of six singles matches. Kyle's will to win is just incredible, really proud of him and the team."

The Highlanders host Bucknell and Gonzaga Monday in a double-header with the first match scheduled to begin at 9 am versus Bucknell.