FLORENCE, S.C. – The No. 49 University of South Carolina Aiken men's tennis team lost a 5-2 decision to No. 22 North Georgia Saturday evening at the Peach Belt Conference Championship.

The Pacers are now 12-9 on the season while the Nighthawks stand at 16-7.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team fell behind 2-1 after doubles play. The dyad of Alejandro Andino and Hunter Lathrop put together the win at the No. 3 spot, by a 9-7 decision. Second-seeded Mathias Degardin and Clement Raymond fell by an 8-5 count.

Playing shorthanded, USC Aiken continued to show toughness.

Trailing 3-1 after a loss at No. 1, Raymond played hard and came up with a victory at the No. 3 singles slot. He posted a 6-0, 6-1 win, making the score 3-2.

The Nighthawks rattled off close wins at No. 5 and No. 6, securing the win in the elimination match.  

Earlier in the day, Dahm's squad lost a 5-0 decision to No. 1 Armstrong State. 

Degardin and Raymond were the closest to pull off a win in doubles action. The duo lost an 8-5 decision at the No. 2 position. 

The Pacers will now await their postseason fate at the NCAA Tournament Selection Show.