SAVANNAH, Ga. – The No. 34 University of South Carolina Aiken men's tennis team posted a 5-2 victory over No. 33 North Georgia Saturday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Bacon Park.

The Pacers are now 11-9 overall on the season.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team netted a 2-1 advantage after a solid start in doubles competition. Top-seeded Alejandro Andino and Patrick Stiebinger posted an 8-4 victory while third-seeded Andy Quirk and Ronan Reberac notched an 8-5 win at the No. 3 doubles slot. Ettore Damiani and Lucas Gobbi were unable to complete the sweep, falling by an 8-5 score at the No. 2 position.

Damiani gave USC Aiken a 3-1 edge after winning by a 6-3, 6-4 count at the No. 1 singles spot. However, North Georgia fought back, taking the No. 3 singles match, making it 3-2.

The Pacers pushed ahead by two points when Quirk ousted his opponent by scores of 6-2, 6-3. Stiebinger ended the match by winning in extra points in the second set. He won by scores of 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

The Pacers are slated to play No. 1 Armstrong at 2 p.m., tomorrow. USC Aiken is looking for its first-ever win over the Pirates (16-6).