SALISBURY, N.C. — The Averett University men's tennis program opened up the 2021 season with a 4-3 victory over Division II Catawba College on Sunday afternoon at Johnson Tennis Center. 

Freshman Rufus Nurminen won his No. 2 singles matchup 7-6, 6-2, which was the clinching victory to give the Cougars a 1-0 start to their 2021 campaign. 

At No. 5 singles, senior Thomas Woodcock earned a victory 6-3,6-4 while sophomore Evgeniy Bogdasaryan also earned a 6-2, 6-3 victory at the No. 6 singles. 

The Cougars were able to sweep Catawba in doubles action to begin the day to earn the doubles point. Each match was won in dominant fashion as the duo of sophomore Jorge Figueroa and  Nurminen earned a 6-1 victory for the Cougars while freshman Lasse Bonn and senior Stan Martherus began the day with a 6-0 win. Woodcock and freshman Josh Bottrell closed out doubles play with a 6-1 win as well.  

At No. 1 singles, Figueroa dropped a close match to Joel 5-7, 6-3, 5-7 which was the last match to finish on the day. At No. 3 singles, Martherus fell to Elkin 6-1, 6-7, 4-6. At No. 4 singles. Bonn lost to Dekester, who won 7-5. 6-3.

The Cougars are back in action when they host Randolph College Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.