ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - It took a rally in singles play, but the Delta State University men's tennis team opened the 2016 campaign with a 5-4 victory over Harding University (1-1) on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the season-opener for both clubs at the Heflin Tennis Center on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University.

The Statesmen (1-0) fell behind in doubles play after dropping the No. 1 and No. 3 slots. DSU claimed No. 2 doubles after Jeoffrey Noblecourt and Joao Yamacita pulled out the win 9-7 over HU's Neto Cacace and Adrian Torico. 

DSU gained momentum and the victory with wins in four of the six singles matches. Complete results are listed below.

The Statesmen return to action on Friday, Feb. 19 versus Ouachita Baptist University. 

SINGLES
1. Alexi Turc vs. Carlos Crisostomo, (W) 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
2. Timo Schmitz vs. Adrian Torico (L) 3-6, 1-6
3. Jeoffrey Noblecourt vs. Neto Cacace, (W) 4-6, 6-2, 6-2
4. Hicham Azzaoui vs. Henrique Vieira, (W) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2
5. Julian Massa vs. Brandon Hogland, (W) 6-4, 6-0
6. Joao Yamacita vs. Chase Stumne, (L) 4-6, 6-4, 2-6

DOUBLES
1. Crisostomo/Vieira vs. Turc/Azzaoui, (L) 9-7
2. Noblecourt/Yamacita vs. Cacace/Torico, (W) 9-7
3. Hogland/Stumne vs. Mazza/Schmitz (L), 8-6