DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The No. 15 University of South Carolina Aiken men's tennis team dropped a 5-2 decision at North Georgia Sunday afternoon in a Peach Belt Conference match.

The Pacers are now 10-7 overall, including a 2-6 effort against PBC competition.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team took a 2-1 lead after doubles play behind strong victories by the top two tandems.

Patrick Stiebinger and Alejandro Andino had to go to a tiebreaker at the No. 1 spot, but emerged victorious with a 9-8 (7-5) win. Second-seeded Ettore Damiani and Lucas Gobbi prevailed with a tiebreaking win as well. The duo won 9-8 (8-6).

USC Aiken battled in the top three singles spots, forcing three sets in one and extra points in the other two contests. However, the squad was unable to register a win in any of the top three seeds as North Georgia won by a 5-2 count.

Damiani lost at No. 1 by scores of 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). Gobbi dropped a 6-0, 7-6 (7-4) match at the No. 3 slot while Andino, playing at the No. 2 position, won the first set 6-3 before falling 6-4, 6-3.  

The Pacers return to action Saturday, Apr. 12, at Georgia College in a 1 p.m. match.