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COLUMBUS – The third-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State University men's tennis team will be headed to Surprise, Ariz. after a 5-1 victory over fifth-seeded and ninth-ranked Wingate on Tuesday. The NCAA second round match was played at the John W. Walden Tennis Center.
 
Columbus State (24-3) is going back to the Round of 16 for the second straight season and fifth time overall. The Cougars will play on Wednesday, May 9 against an opponent still to be determined.
 
"We got off to a slow start today, but the guys did a good job of responding and were able to beat a really good Wingate team," head coach Evan Isaacs said. "We have a hungry group that experienced some success last year and they've put themselves in position to be back at that level again."
 
The Cougars were in for a fight early on Tuesday, as Wingate came out strong in doubles play. KP Pannu and Matei Avram battled back from an early deficit for an 8-3 win at second doubles to put the first point up.
 
Alvaro Regalado and Zach Whaanga were in control throughout their match at the top spot, finishing off their opponents 8-1 to make it 2-0. Arnold Kokulewski and Shao-Yu Yu fell in a 5-0 hole at third doubles, but fought back to 5-3 before falling 8-5.
 
The back end of the Cougars' singles lineup dominated on Tuesday, as Kokulewski raced past his opponent 6-1, 6-1 for the win at sixth. Avram did the same at fifth, winning 6-1, 6-2.
 
Whaanga came up with the match-clinching point for the Cougars with a 6-4, 6-2 victory at second.
 
Singles competition
1. #2 KP Pannu (CSU-M) vs. #23 Daniel Belsito (WU) 3-6, 4-1, unfinished
2. #22 Zach Whaanga (CSU-M) def. Josep Canyadell (WU) 6-4, 6-2
3. #60 Alvaro Regalado (CSU-M) vs. Enrico Giacomini (WU) 6-1, 3-4, unfinished
4. Paul Sprengelmeijer (CSU-M) vs. Josh DuToit (WU) 5-6, unfinished
5. Matei Avram (CSU-M) def. Tamir Geva (WU) 6-1, 6-2
6. Arnold Kokulewski (CSU-M) def. Duncan Addison (WU) 6-1, 6-1
 
Doubles competition
1. #3 Alvaro Regalado/Zach Whaanga (CSU-M) def. #26 Daniel Belsito/Josh DuToit (WU) 8-1
2. KP Pannu/Matei Avram (CSU-M) def. Duncan Addison/Enrico Giacomini (WU) 8-3
3. Tamir Geva/Josep Canyadell (WU) def. Arnold Kokulewski/Shao-Yu Yu (CSU-M) 8-5