CLAREMONT, CA - The no. 20 Pomona-Pitzer men's tennis team knocked off no. 9 Trinity-TX, 5-4 in the opening round of the 4th Annual Stag-Hen Invitational.

Trinity was the first team on the board with an 8-6 win at number two doubles. The Hens responded with a 9-7 win at number three doubles to tie the match at one. Despite four match points, the number one team of Tommy Meyer and Frankie Allinson lost 9-8 (7-5) to the top ranked doubles team in the country.

Trailing 2-1 heading into singles play, both teams notched a quick point, Trinity grabbing their third point at number four singles, 6-2, 6-4 and Pomona-Pitzer's Chris Wiechert rolling to a 6-4, 6-1 win at three singles.At five singles, Max Sabel efficiently tied the match up with his 6-3, 6-3 win.

At one singles, Meyer dropped the first set, but rallied against no. 17 Max Frey, winning the second set in a tiebreaker and then cruising in the third, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 to put the Hens up 4-3. Trinity quickly responded at two singles, with the Tiger's Bobby Coconougher defeating Uday Singh 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 to tie the match at 4 with one to play.

At six singles, Alex Groth captured the first set 6-4, but wasn't able to maintain the lead, dropping the second set 3-6. The final set was a battle of contrasting styles, as Groth held serve with his big serve and aggressive forehand, and his opponent, Julio Benavides held steady off the ground, waiting for Groth to miss. The third set stayed on serve, with Groth fighting off numerous break chances. At six all, a tiebreaker would decide the outcome of the entire match. Groth found renewed energy and composure, rallying to win the breaker 7-2, the match 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2), and the dual match 5-4.