DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's tennis team lost a nail-biter to Pfeiffer University 5-4 at home on Friday.
 
Averett (6-4) came into this match ranked 15th in the latest Oracle/ITA Division III Atlantic South Region poll as a team. Sophomore Mathias Reusch and freshman Thomas Woodcock won at No. 3 doubles, 8-6, to keep the Cougars in striking distance heading into singles play only down 2-1 in the match.
 
Sophomore Nicholas Yanes tied the match at two with his (6-4, 6-0) victory at No. 1 singles. Pfeiffer (11-2) won at No. 2 singles to jump back in front 3-2 before the Cougars knotted things up again but this time in the form of freshman Douwe Sternfeld who won at No. 3 singles (7-6, 6-2). However, the Falcons went on to clinch the match as Pfeiffer won the next two singles matches at Np. 4 and 5 singles. Woodcock won at No. 6 singles (6-2, 4-6, 10-4) to put the final score line in favor of Pfeiffer at 5-4.
 
Men's tennis returns to action on Monday when the Cougars participate in a doubleheader. Averett plays at Greensboro College at 11:30 a.m. and then travels back to host Southern Virginia University at 3:30 p.m.