Arkadelphia, Ark. - The Southwest Baptist University men's tennis team had an impressive 9-0 victory over #39 Harding to open up the 2017 season on Thursday.

The Bearcats were immediately put to the test against the #39 ranked Bison, and prevailed in impressive fashion. The Bearcats swept through doubles play, while 6th ranked Sherif Abohabaga started singles off at #1 singles by taking the first set 6-4 before eventually claiming the point on retirement. Chris Blodig, Ferenc Agoston, and Marcel Castillo all won in three sets while Torben Semrau and Raul Cabalero both won in straight sets to finish off the sweep.

SBU will return to action on Friday, February 17 when they take on #29 Ouachita Baptist. Play is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. from Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

#19 Southwest Baptist 9, #39 Harding 0

Singles
1. #6 Sherif Abohabaga (SBU) def. Alejandro Sendra (HU) 6-4, 2-0 retired
2. Chris Blodig (SBU) def. Carlos Crisostomo (HU) 6-3, 2-6, 10-4
3. Torben Semrau (SBU) def. A.J. Barrington (HU) 6-3, 6-0
4. Raul Cabalero (SBU) def. Adria Abella (HU) 6-2, 6-2
5. Ferenc Agoston (SBU) def. Neto Cacace (HU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
6. Marcel Castillo (SBU) def. Brandon Hogland (HU) 7-6, 2-6, 10-7

Doubles
1. #4 Gyorgy Agoston/Agoston (SBU) def. Barrington/Hogland (HU) 8-4
2. #25 Abohabaga/Blodig def. Sendra/Crisostomo (HU) 8-6
3. Semrau/Cabalero (SBU) def. Abella/Cacace (HU) 9-8