LEWISTON, Idaho. – A dominant showing in singles competition combined with success at doubles play made for a near-sweep for North Dakota men's tennis as the Fighting Hawks defeated Lewis-Clark, 6-1, on Saturday afternoon.
 
The duo of Leo Galliano and Kotaro Matsumura collected a 6-2 win from the top spot in doubles play before the Warriors took the win from court No. 3. With the opening point still at large, Justin Ilic and Darrshan Suresh Kumar dominated in a tiebreaker, 7-2, to edge their way to a gritty 7-6 win and the 1-0 team lead.
 
In singles play, Matsumura turned up the heat from spot No. 4 as he took a 6-1, 6-0 victory. Galliano followed suit soon after with a 6-3, 6-3 win at the top spot and Ilic added in a 6-4, 6-4 win from the No. 3 court to put the Fighting Hawks ahead at 4-0.
 
Surresh Kumar fought through a tough first set to add in a dominating second set for the 7-5, 6-1 win at the second singles court to secure the team victory. Walker Valentine rounded out the scoring for UND with his 6-3, 6-3 showing from the fifth court, helping the Hawks to a strong 6-1 win.
 
The men return to action on Sunday morning with a match against Idaho, beginning at 10 a.m. CT. 

For more information on North Dakota men's tennis, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDmtennis.