Wilson, N.C. - Fifteenth-ranked Francis Marion University lost only two singles matches en route to a 7-2 win over 23rd-ranked Barton College, Sunday afternoon (Feb. 26) in men's tennis action.

The Patriots (2-1) won for the tenth consecutive year over the Bulldogs (5-2).

FMU won all three doubles matches to take a 3-0 advantage.  A key point for the Patriots came at No.1 doubles, where Kevin Taylor and David Budler overcame two late service breaks to pull out a 9-8 (7-4) win over Brent Ching and Brandon Simmons. The Bulldog pair came into the match with a No.15 national ranking, and the result teetered back and forth until FMU pulled away from 3-3 all in the tie-break.

Francis Marion plays at Peach Belt Conference opponent Columbus State University, Saturday at 11 a.m.

#15 Francis Marion 7 #23 Barton 2
SINGLES
#1  Kevin Taylor (FMU) def. Robert Jenner (BC)  6-4 6-2 
#2  Chatwinder Singh (FMU) def. Brent Ching (BC)  6-3 6-2 
#3  David Budler (FMU) def. Nikola Andjelic (BC)  6-3 6-0 
#4  Franklyn Emmanuel (FMU) def. Matthew Jackman (BC)  6-3 6-2 
#5  Scott Reddick (BC) def. Igor Prielozny (FMU) 6-4 6-1 
#6  Jesper Soderblom (BC) def. Matthew Keth (FMU) 6-2 6-2 
DOUBLES
#1  Taylor/Budler (FMU) def. Ching/Simmons (BC)  9-8 (4) 
#2  Mayadunne/Emmanuel (FMU) def. Baluyot/Jenner (BC)  8-4 
#3  Singh/Keth (FMU) def. Andjelic/Jackman (BC)  8-5