VALDOSTA, Ga. - The top-ranked Columbus State University men's tennis team was pushed to the limit but still prevailed 4-3 over No. 7 Valdosta State University on Wednesday. The match was played at the VSU Tennis Complex.

The Cougars (12-0) gained the early lead by claiming the crucial doubles point thanks to two victories. It was the back of the lineup that did the damage, with Felix Steen and Christian Garay winning 6-3 at second doubles and Pietro Martinetti and Tommaso Schold taking third doubles 6-1. The Blazer duo of Yohan Nguyen and Florian Simbozel edged Alvaro Regalado and Javier Cueto Ramos 6-4 at the top spot.

The two powerhouses traded wins over singles play. It was Valdosta State (8-1) who delivered the first blow with a 6-3, 6-2 win by Christian Felline at fifth singles over Steen to tie the match. However, a 6-3, 6-2 decision by Regaldo at number one singles put CSU back in front.

VSU evened things once again after Florian Simbozel downed Garay 6-2, 6-4, but the Cougars would begin to pull away. Cueto Ramos moved CSU within a point of the win after a tight 7-5, 6-2 win at fourth singles against Luca Mack.

The remaining two matches went into decisive third sets, including a tremendous comeback at sixth singles by Martinetti. After splitting the first two sets 6-1, 2-6 with Cameron Tirgolos, the second-year freshman found himself down 3-0 and facing defeat. However, he stormed back, winning the final six games to secure the Columbus State victory. Seconds later, Christian Wedel claimed a 7-5, 3-6,  6-4 victory over Schold at third singles.

The win was CSU's 29th in a row in regular-season play while handing VSU its first loss of the season.

UP NEXT
Columbus State will battle another unbeaten team as No. 6 Lander University visits the John W. Walden Tennis Center on Saturday, April 3. The match will begin at 10 a.m.