Charlotte, NC – Behind a dominating effort in doubles and three hard fought singles victories, the Charlotte 49ers (1-1) defeated Gardner-Webb (0-4), 4-3, in their home opening match at the Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex.

"We expected a tough match against Gardner-Webb today and that's what we got,” Charlotte coach Billy Boykin said.  “We came out of the gates quickly in doubles play and won first sets in four separate singles matches.  From that point on, nothing came easy. I give credit to Gardner-Webb for pushing us to the edge.  We kept our focus at the end and managed a good team win.  Forrest Edwards was sharp in his singles play today.  Kamil Khalil and Paul Cisti were very tough for us at the end of the match in singles."

The 49ers swept the doubles matches to claim the doubles point. At number one doubles, Charlotte’s Jack Williams and Alex Calott defeated Gardner-Webb’s Benjamin Kaszas and Nikita Zverkov, 6-4. At number two doubles, Charlotte’s Jordi Massalle Ferrer and Kamil Khalil defeated Gardner-Webb’s Brendan Dempsey and Ernest Alberch, 6-2. At number three doubles, Charlotte’s Forrest Edward and Paul Cisti defeated Gardner-Webb’s Tyler Macy and Jonathan Walker, 6-2.

The two teams split the six singles matches. At number one singles, Charlotte’s Edwards won his 14th match of the season with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Gardner-Webb’s Kaszas. At number two singles, Charlotte’s Williams lost to Gardner-Webb’s Zverkov, 5-6, 6-5, 6-1. At number three singles, Charlotte’s Massalle Ferrer lost to Gardner-Webb’s Alberch in three hard fought sets, 5-6, 6-4, 6-3. At number four singles, Charlotte’s Calott lost to Gardner-Webb’s Dempsey in three hard fought sets, 6-4, 1-6, 6-5. At number five singles, Charlotte’s Kamil Khalil defeated Gardner-Webb’s Pepe Batalla, 6-4, 5-6, 6-4. At number six singles, Charlotte’s Cisti defeated Gardner-Webb’s Jonathan Walker, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Charlotte returns to action when they play Conference USA foe UAB at the Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex, Sunday, February 9 at 11 am.