BRIDGEWATER, Va. - The Bridgewater College men's tennis team defeated Guilford on Sunday, 5-4, in a six hour marathon that concluded in thrilling fashion.

This was the Eagles first win over the Quakers since 2017.

BC took the early advantage sweeping doubles action to go ahead 3-0. 

Senior Canon Secord and freshman Matthew Leonard picked up an 8-3 win at the top spot. At No. 2, sophomore Gabe Elder and freshman Mark Gordon had four match points but made number five count as they won 8-7(1).

The duo of senior Matthew Gordon and junior Noah Hughes stayed undefeated in doubles play with an 8-4 win at the bottom spot.

In singles action Secord picked up a 6-0, 6-3 win at the top spot.

Guilford would take wins at two, three, four and six spots on the ladder meaning the match came down to a battle at No. 5.

Leonard would take the lead early in the match taking the first set 6-2 before dropping the second 4-6 to force a decider where the rookie prevailed winning 6-2. This clinched the match for Bridgewater.

With the win Bridgewater improves to 5-1 and 2-0 in ODAC play. This is the best start for the men under head coach Jordon Robinson. The Eagles will be back in action Thursday, March 24 to face off against Washington and Lee at 4 p.m. on the Mapp Tennis Courts.