AIKEN, S.C. – Georgia State men's tennis (8-5) opened Sun Belt play with a 6-1 victory over Coastal Carolina in Aiken, S.C., Tuesday afternoon. 

The Panthers, who entered the meeting on a three game winning streak, fell behind early, stumbling in doubles play. Andrei Duarte and Patrick Lazo earned a victory on court three for the Panthers, but Coastal Carolina would win on courts one and two to take the early edge.  

Georgia State did not stay down for long as the Panthers gained momentum in singles action. Harvey Maughan, the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Week, put the Panthers on the board with a 6-2, 6-1 result on court two. Lazo and Duarte continued their success from the day, each earning a win to put the Panthers within striking distance. 

Vazha Shubladze clinched the GSU victory with a 6-4, 6-4 decision on the top court. Despite both dropping their first sets, Mihai Marinescu and Kevin Huynh built upon their teammates' momentum, both emerging victorious to finish the singles play sweep. 

Next up, the Panthers return to Georgia for a pair of matches. First Georgia State will pause Sun Belt action Friday to face Presbyterian before battling in-state and conference foe Georgia Southern on Saturday. 

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