-Courtesy Eric Moyer, A-Sun Media Relations-
DeLand, Fla. - Stetson advanced to the Atlantic Sun Men's Tennis Championship semifinal round after eliminating Mercer, 4-2, Thursday from the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.
The Hatters (19-9) took the doubles point after an 8-2 win by the pairs of Njal Stene/Christopher Swanteson and an 8-3 victory for the team of Maksim Levanovich/Didrik Berg. Levanovich and Steine picked up wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Senior Alexander Hackett notched the clinching point, defeating Mercer's Guilherme Frias in straight sets.
Mercer (9-12) battled back after falling behind 1-0, as junior David Barton defeated freshman Hans Riesing 6-0, 6-3 at No. 6 singles to even the match at one apiece.
The Hatters pushed the lead out to 3-1 with straight set wins Levanovich and Stene. After Mercer senior Evandro Rosindo pulled out a three-set victory at No. 4, Hackett earned a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 victory against freshman Guilherm Frias for the fourth Hatter point.
Stetson advances to play the regular season co-champion and top-seeded UNF Ospreys tomorrow afternoon in semifinal action. Play is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
