AIKEN, S.C. – The Young Harris College men’s tennis team opened the 2011 season on Sunday with an 8-1 loss against No. 25 USC-Aiken.

"The men all fought hard today against a very strong opponent," Young Harris head coach Jacob Turner said. "USC-Aiken is ranked No. 25 in the nation in Division II , and I am proud how the majority of the guys fought today, especially Gabriel, Martin and Taylor. I am looking forward to our team competiting with the same heart against North Georgia on Tuesday."

The Mountain Lions went 1-5 in singles play as Gabriel Oliveria defeated Ben Klaas, 6-4, 6-3 for the Young Harris victory. Martin Harach fell to Gregory Andrade, 6-2, 6-3 and Keon Gottenbos lost to Lucas Gobbi, 6-2, 6-0. Bruno Orlandini defeated Aleksandar Zobec, 6-0, 6-1 and Juan Manuel Guglielmeti downed Taylor Hamala, 6-3, 6-4. Jacob Greene lost in No. 6 singles to Josh Rees, 6-0, 6-0.

In doubles play, Andrade and Orlandini defeated Harach and Oliveria, 8-4, while Klaas and Rees beat Gottenbos and Alekasandar, 8-2. Gobbi and Guglielmeti knocked off Greene and Hamala, 8-3.

Young Harris has its home opener 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8 against Peach Belt Conference member North Georgia College & State University.

YHC Athletics