MEN'S TENNIS CAPTURES FIFTH BIG SOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Radford captured its fifth Big South Men's Tennis Championship in the last six years with a 4-0 victory over seventh-seeded Presbyterian Saturday afternoon at the Asheville Racquet Club South.

In addition to hitting the 20-win plateau for the fifth time in school history, the Highlanders earn the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

“Hats off to Presbyterian for the tremendous run they made,” commented six-time Big South Coach of the Year Mike Anderson. “I'm extremely proud of our team and the way they competed in a near flawless final. We'll continue to work hard to get better each day as we await our opponent in the NCAA Regional.”

For the third consecutive day, Radford (20-5) took the early 1-0 advantage by winning the doubles competition. Not long after the all-conference duo of Nicholas Sayer and Thomas Dehaen recorded an 8-6 decision on court one, Joe Mills and Patrick O'Keefe secured the team point with an 8-4 victory over Nathan Crocker and Edward Snead.

As he's done often throughout his brief career, Stijn Meulemans put the first singles point on the board and extended the Highlanders' lead to 2-0 with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over William O'Connell at the No. 3 spot.

Shortly after Dehaen put Radford one win away from its second straight tournament crown, senior Igor Ogrizek clinched championship point with a straight-set triumph over Rafael Berghaus on court two.

Since 2006, the Highlanders have won 58 of their last 64 against league competition, which includes a 17-3 mark in tournament matches.

The opening round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament will be held May 12 and 13 at regional sites, with selections and match-ups being announced May 1 at 5:30 p.m. on NCAA.com.

No. 1 Radford 4, No. 7 Presbyterian 0
Big South Men's Tennis Finals
Asheville, N.C. – Asheville Racquet Club South

Doubles Competition
1. Nick Sayer / Thomas Dehaen (RU) def. Rafael Berghaus / Grayson Mills (PC), 8-6
2. Igor Ogrizek / Stijn Meulemans (RU) led Andrew Brigham / William O'Connell (PC), 7-5 unfinished
3. Joe Mills / Patrick O'Keefe (RU) def. Nathan Crocker / Edward Snead (PC), 8-4

Order of Finish: 1, 3

Singles Competition
1. No. 117 Nick Sayer (RU) vs. Grayson Mills (PC), 6-3, 3-6 unfinished
2. Igor Ogrizek (RU) def. Rafael Berghaus (PC), 6-4, 6-3
3. Stijn Meulemans (RU) def. William O'Connell (PC), 6-1, 6-2
4. Thomas Dehaen (RU) def. Andrew Brigham (PC), 6-2, 6-4
5. Joe Mills (RU) led Zachary Sprouse (PC), 6-3, 1-1 unfinished
6. Patrick O'Keefe (RU) led Gonzalo Asis (PC), 6-3, 4-1 unfinished

Order of Finish: 3, 4, 2

Match Notes
Radford 20-5
Presbyterian 13-16

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