MURFREESBORO, Tenn.  – The Birmingham-Southern men's tennis team took down Rhodes College in the first round of the conference tournament. The Panthers defeated the Lynx 5-3 to move on to the next round. 

The Panthers were hopeful heading into tournament play, but fell short in the doubles round. No. 1 Wilbur Dotson and Tanner Debardelaben were the only duo to grab a win in doubles play. They took down Rhodes No. 1 duo 8-6. The No. 2 Hallet Green and Elijah Ingleson fell at a close 8-7 to their opponent. Trailing 2-1 heading into singles play, the Panthers were looking to make a comeback to move forward. 

The Panthers only dropped one singles match to Rhodes, and the No. 2 match went unfinished due to the Panthers lead. No. 1 Hallet Green took down his opponent 6-3, 6-1. Tom Smith, No. 5, won 6-1 and 7-5, while No. 6 Reed Martinson won 6-0 and 6-4. No. 4 Tanner Debardelaben fell to his opponent. With the Panthers holding their lead, they took the match 5-3. 

Records
Birmingham-Southern 16-7 Overall, Rhodes 7-15 Overall

Up next
The Panthers will play Sewanee in the next round of the conference tournament on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m.