Box Score
MOBILE, Ala.-The Belhaven men's tennis team took home a 5-4 victory over Campbellsville University (KY) on Tuesday afternoon in the opening round of the 2012 NAIA National Championships. The Blazers are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2000 when the NAIA implemented team format play. Belhaven won the NAIA National Title in 1983.

Belhaven (16-3), ranked 15th in the final regular season top 25 poll, took the early 2-1 advantage over 18th ranked Campbellsville thanks to a pair of victories in doubles play. The duo of Jefferson Nino and Daniel Duarte stopped Sebastian Marot and Pontus Blom 8-5 while David Mejia teamed with Daniel Prado for an 8-3 decision against Zac Malyon and Terry Caven.

The match then went into singles competition with Belhaven needing three wins to secure the contest. Nino notched the first topping Pablo Numbela in two sets 6-2 and 6-2 followed by another two set victory, this time by Daniel Prado over Alberto Diaz 6-4 and 7-5. Needing one more win, David Mejia sent the Blazers into the second round on the strength of a 6-3, 6-3 decision against Malyon. Belhaven came close to a 6-3 win as Duarte battled hard against Blom, but fell 4-6, 6-4, and 11-9 on a tiebreaker in the third set.

“Our guys played well against a very good Campbellsville team,” said Head Coach Levi Patton. “It was big for us to jump in front 2-1 in doubles play and build some confidence, which our guys fed off of for the rest of the match. The guys fought hard hard a played tough through the heat while having to overcome some injuries, but persevered to get the win. This is a big win for the program and it's good to be back on the national stage.”

The Blazers now advance to the second round where they will face second ranked Embry-Riddle University on Wednesday. The first serve is slated for 1:00 PM at the Mobile Tennis Center.