ROME, Ga. - The No. 14 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's tennis team secured a ranked victory over No. 31 West Alabama, using a strong doubles showing and clutch singles play to earn the win.

The Nighthawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead by claiming the doubles point. Juan Cruz Blanco and Ben Brandl set the tone with a decisive 6-2 win at No. 1 doubles, while Franco Rebora and Marcos Castellanos edged out a 7-6 victory at No. 2 to clinch the point. West Alabama picked up the lone doubles win at No. 3.

In singles, North Georgia collected three victories to seal the match. Brandl delivered a dominant straight-set win at No. 3 singles, 6-1, 6-4, while Lleyton Beasley added another point with a 6-3, 6-1 victory at No. 6.

The deciding point came from Rebora at No. 5 singles, as he rallied after dropping the first set to defeat Federico Iturbe 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to clinch the match for the Nighthawks.

West Alabama earned wins at No. 1 and No. 4 singles, and pushed No. 2 singles to three sets, but North Georgia held on for the victory.

North Georgia returns to action March 25, opening Peach Belt Conference play against Augusta at the UNG Tennis Complex at Yahoola Creek.