CLEVELAND, Miss. – In an epic three-set rally, Mason Vice defeated Luca Cirenza to give Delta State the match win over GSC rival the University of North Alabama in the Statesmen's home opener on March 11, 2018.
 
The Statesmen had the advantage over the Lions in doubles. UNA took the victory at No. 1 doubles, but Delta State won No. 2 and No. 3 doubles to take a 2-1 lead heading into the singles competition.
 
The Lions tied the match in the singles competition, earning victories at No. 4, No. 6 and No. 1 singles. With both teams tied at four points, the match was decided by the No. 3 singles contest, where Vice pulled ahead in the third set to clinch the match point for Delta State.  
 
DOUBLES COMPETITION:

1. Miguel Garcia/Austin Racine (UNA) def. Emile Le Terrier/Hugo Stroppiana (DSU) 8-3
2. Mason Vice/Joao Yamacita (DSU) def. Jason Pimenta/Cade Reasons (UNA) 8-2
3. Stedman Strickland/Timo Schmitz (DSU) def. Gustavo Girao/Luca Cirenza (UNA) 8-4

 
SINGLES COMPETITION:

1. Jason Pimenta (UNA) def. Emile Le Terrier (DSU) 3-6, 7-6, 6-4
2. Hugo Stroppiana (DSU) def. Miguel Garcia (UNA) 6-1, 6-2
3. Mason Vice (DSU) def. Luca Cirenza (UNA) 7-6, 4-6, 6-2
4. Austin Racine (UNA) def. Stedman Strickland (DSU) 6-2, 6-2
5. Joao Yamacita (DSU) def. Gustavo Girao (UNA) 6-3, 6-4
6. Cade Reasons (UNA) def. Andrew Hildenbrand (DSU) 6-3, 6-3

 
MATCH NOTES:

• Delta State improves to 7-1 and 5-0 in GSC competition.
• UNA falls to 2-6 and 1-4 in GSC action.
• Delta State's five GSC wins mark the most conference victories in a season since 2014 when the Statesmen finished 5-3 in GSC play.
• The Statesmen's 5-4 win over UNA marks the third contest this season decided by one match point.
• With the win, the Statesmen improve to 5-5 in home openers since 2009.

 
UP NEXT:
The Statesmen host Alcorn State University for their second home match of the season on Wednesday, March 14, at 2:00 p.m.