ELON, N.C. – The Elon men’s tennis team competed at the University of Virginia Classic and the UNCG Men’s Invitational to open its fall season this weekend. Freshman Tommy Darling reached the finals of the A2 singles draw at UNCG, while two new Phoenix doubles combinations posted 2-1 records at UVa.

“It was good to see our team get started this weekend,” commented Phoenix head coach Michael Leonard. “We were able to pick out some things we need to work on this week to get ready for our tournament.”

Elon faced a very good field at Virginia, competing against some of the best players in the country. Junior Philip Nemec picked up a big win in the opening round of the A2 singles bracket, defeating UVa’s Steven Eelkman Rooda, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Rooda is currently ranked #112 in the ITA preseason rankings.

Nemec teamed up with junior Chase Helpingstine to win two of three doubles matches in the A1 doubles flight. The duo defeated Jarmere Jenkins and Milo Johnson from UVa, 8-6, and earned a victory over NC State’s Rob Lowe and Frideric Prandecki as well.

Elon also tried out another new doubles combination at Virginia. Junior Alberto Rojas and sophomore transfer Eric Turner defeated duos from Columbia and William & Mary in the B2 doubles flight.

In the quarterfinals of the A2 draw at UNC Greensboro, Darling earned a 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3 victory over UNCG’s Jacob Wright in his first collegiate match. Darling advanced with a straight-set win against Christopher Smith of Chattanooga in the semis. In a hard-fought championship match, Darling dropped a tight 7-5, 7-6 (2) decision to Timion Meijs of UNC Greensboro.

Phoenix senior Clark Howell advanced to the semifinals of the A3 singles flight at UNCG, earning two-set victories over Belmont’s Zachary Zola and Longwood’s Andres Lazarte.

The Phoenix will host the Elon Fall Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19.