DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's tennis program opened up conference play with a 6-3 victory over Methodist University on Sunday afternoon at the Averett Tennis Courts. 

Averett (2-2, 1-0 USA South) was able to begin USA South conference play with a commanding win over Methodist (3-8, 1-1 USA South) who had already opened up conference play with a win over William Peace University 9-0. 

Freshman Rufus Nurminen won in straight sets for the Cougars at No. 2 singles clinching the win for Averett. Each Cougar won in straight sets as senior Stan Martherus, freshman Lasse Bonn, and senior Thomas Woodcock all earned wins at No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 singles, respectively. 

In doubles action, the Cougars earned two of the three points available as the duo of sophomore Jorge Figueroa and Nurminen took No. 1 doubles 8-5. Also, Woodcock and sophomore Evgeniy Bogdasaryan won a thriller at No. 3 doubles 8-7, taking the tie breaker 7-5.

The Cougars are back in action when they travel to Mary Baldwin University tomorrow at 3 p.m.