HICKORY, N.C. - Dominating play by sophomore Vinicius Botelho helped lead the Newberry men's tennis team to a 7-2 South Atlantic Conference victory over the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears.

Botelho (Fortaleza, Brazil) and partner Michael Saunders (Christchurch, New Zealand) outlasted Robby Blackburn and David Richardson at No. 1 doubles, while sophomore Mohammed Chakir (Rabat, Morocco) and reigning SAC Player of the Week junior Cal Loveridge rolled Aroon Khatter and Michael Owens in an 8-0 win at No. 2.

In singles action the Wolves earned straight set victories in five matches, beginning with Botelho's win at No. 2 in which the Brazilian did not surrender a single game to Blackburn.

Chakir dropped a single game in his victory at No. 3, while Saunders won 6-3, 6-3 at No. 1.

Newberry returns home on Friday, when the Wolves host Benedict at 3:30 p.m. The Wolves also host Spartanburg Methodistin an exhibition match earlier in the day.

Newberry 7, Lenoir-Rhyne 2
Feb 22, 2012
Hickory, N.C.
Hickory High School

Singles
1. Michael Saunders (NEWM) def. Aroon Khatter (L-R) 6-3, 6-3
2. Vinicius Botelho (NEWM) def. Robby Blackburn (L-R) 6-0, 6-0
3. Mohammed Chakir (NEWM) def. Michael Owens (L-R) 6-0, 6-1
4. Cal Loveridge (NEWM) def. Graydon Dunn (L-R) 6-1, 7-5
5. David Richardson (L-R) def. David Sons (NEWM) 6-4, 6-2
6. Carlos Nicolopulos (NEWM) def. Jarod Styres (L-R) 6-3, 6-4

Doubles
1. Vinicius Botelho/Michael Saunders (NEWM) def. Robby Blackburn/David Richardson (L-R) 8-6
2. Mohammed Chakir/Cal Loveridge (NEWM) def. Aroon Khatter/Michael Owens (L-R) 8-0
3. Graydon Dunn/Jarod Styres (L-R) def. James Bethea/Jeffery Kiser (NEWM) 8-5