AIKEN, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Aiken men's tennis team defeated Newberry 7-2 in the home opener Saturday afternoon.

The Pacers are now 1-1 on the season.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team jumped out to a 2-1 lead in doubles action as the second and third-seeded tandems cruised to wins.

The dyad of Antonio Sabugueiro and Tales Silva combined for an 8-4 victory at the No. 2 slot. At No. 3, Hunter Lathrop and Wojciech Adamek easily defeated their opposition by an 8-1 count.

In singles action, Alvaro Garcia Gil's 6-2, 6-1 win at No. 6 gave the Pacers a 3-1 edge. Sabugueiro's 6-1, 6-3 win at the No. 2 slot gave USC Aiken a near-unsurmountable lead.

Mathias Degardin downed his foe at No. 1 by a 6-2, 6-3 score for the 5-1 advantage at that point. Adamek took control of the No. 5 spot with a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

Lathrop needed extra time before defeating his opponent 7-5, 6-3.

The Pacers return to action Thursday, Feb. 9, when they host Belmont Abbey at 3 p.m.