AIKEN, S.C. - The No. 5 University of South Carolina Aiken men's tennis team notched a 4-1 victory over No. 14 North Georgia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday afternoon.

The Pacers improve to 17-3 on the year while the Nighthawks conclude their year at 15-8.

Head coach Steve Dahm's team fell behind early in doubles action after Francesco Satta and Alex Sklizovic dropped a 6-4 contest at No. 3 doubles. However, the dyad of Salvador Bandeira and Antonio Sabugueiro, ranked No. 6 nationally, posted a 6-4 victory. USC Aiken earned the doubles point with a 7-6 (7-0) win at No. 2 thanks in part to the duo of Vicente Andrades and Tales Silva. 

Dahm's team increased the lead to 2-0 as Alvaro Garcia Gil claimed a 6-0, 6-4 victory at No. 5 singles. After the Nighthawks closed the gap to 2-1, Satta gave the home team a 3-1 advantage after earning a 6-1, 6-4 win at No. 6. Sabugueiro clinched the match with a 6-3, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles.  

The Pacers return to action tomorrow morning in the NCAA Second Round against either Wingate at 9 a.m.