ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Behind a clean sweep of doubles and victories by Niko Ptasinski and Arthur Berthiaux, the Delta State University men's tennis team claimed a 5-2 victory over No. 48 Harding University at the Heflin Tennis Center on Thursday, Feb. 19. The neutral site match is part of an eight-team, four-day tournament hosted by Ouachita Baptist University. Complete results are below.

The Statesmen (2-0) earned a clean sweep in doubles action, but not without a fight. Ptasinski and Lionel Gazzo edged HU's David Korsten and Andras Marics 9-7 at No. 1 while Joao Yamacita and Clement Depreeuw defeated Adrian Torrico and Neto Cacace 9-8 at No. 3. Berthiaux and Guillermo Saura cruised to an 8-3 win at No. 2 over Jon Mark Rowden and Carlos Crisostomo.

Ptasinski delivered his second straight victory at No. 1 singles with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Rowden.

Berthiaux needed three sets to defeat Crisostomo at No. 3 singles 6-1, 2-6, 6-1.

Delta State returns to action on Friday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. against tournament host OBU.  

Delta St. 5, #48 Harding 2
Feb 19, 2015 at Arkadelphia, Ark. (Heflin Tennis Center)

Singles competition

1. Niko Ptasinski (DSU) def. Jon Mark Rowden (HU) 6-0, 6-4

2. David Korsten (HU) def. Lionel Gazzo (DSU) 4-6, 7-6, 10-7

3. Arthur Berthiaux (DSU) def. Carlos Crisostomo (HU) 6-1, 2-6, 6-1

4. Andras Marics (HU) def. Joao Yamacita (DSU) 7-5, 6-2

5. Brandon Hogland (HU) vs. Clement Depreeuw (DSU) unfinished

6. Adrian Torrico (HU) vs. Guillermo Saura (DSU) unfinished

Doubles competition

1. Niko Ptasinski/Lionel Gazzo (DSU) def. David Korsten/Andras Marics (HU) 9-7

2. Arthur Berthiaux/Guillermo Saura (DSU) def. Jon Mark Rowden/Carlos Crisostomo (HU) 8-3

3. Joao Yamacita/Clement Depreeuw (DSU) def. Adrian Torrico/Neto Cacace (HU) 9-8

Match Notes

Delta St. 2-0; Regional ranking #10

Harding 3-1; National ranking #48; Regional ranking #6

Harding is ranked No. 6 in the Central Region.

Delta State is ranked No. 10 in the South Region.