ROME, Ga. - After a few weeks of training following tough loses to powerhouses such as Wallace State CC, the Berry College men's tennis team was back in action against Rome, GA rival Shorter University on Shorter's campus tennis courts with the Vikings prevailing 5-2.

With the absence of one of Berry's top players, the doubles rosters were rearranged with Jace Goode / Xavier Deckard making their inaugural first doubles appearance. Despite the added pressure, they showcased some of their most dominant netplay in a 6-3 victory. Leo Nedkov / Anderson Lambert at second doubles were quick to follow with a 6-2 victory, and Jake Chapman / Bryce Lepine dominated the return game with an emphatic 6-0 victory.

With court conditions only allowing 3 matches on at a time, it was up to Jace Goode at second singles and Leo Nedkov at third to set the stage. Jace Goode stayed close to his opponent with some of the day's longest rallies in a 3-6, 3-6 defeat, and Leo showed his offensive and defensive prowess in a resounding 6-2, 6-3 victory. Anderson Lambert at fourth singles and Xavier Deckard at fifth singles produced some of their best tennis, shutting down their opposition 6-2, 6-1 and 6-0, 6-0, respectively. Lucas Duckstein replaced Aiden Benoualid for the day at sixth singles, but the new role did not phase him as he won 6-0, 6-0. With the meet being decided and Berry having won, Jake Chapman at first singles loosened up and fought hard for every point in a match that drew onlookers from both teams, just narrowly losing 7-6, 3-6, 6-7.

Following their convincing 5-2 win against Shorter University, the men will reflect on their continued progress and begin training in preparation for their next series of matches, scheduled for this March at Hilton Head Island PTR SpringFest.