MELBOURNE, Fla. (Men’s Tennis) – Florida Tech earned its third victory in two days, defeating Merrimack 7-2 Friday afternoon at the Fee Avenue Tennis Courts. The Panthers improve to 11-7 with the win, while the Warriors drop to 7-5.

“This was a critical win for the guys after yesterday’s doubleheader,” head coach Bill Macom said. “They beat three really good teams in two days in very hot weather. They showed me their physical conditioning is solid and mentally they could handle all the tennis. Now we need to use this experience and produce against Lynn next week.”  

The Panthers received a great effort from Nicolas Clerc, Beau Fieldsend and D.J. Pate. The trio helped the Panthers earn six wins – two in doubles and two in singles – against the Warriors. Clerc partnered with Jorge Abarca-Montero for an 8-1 win in the top doubles match. Meanwhile, Pate and Fieldsend notched an 8-3 decision at the No. 3 spot.

Clerc continued his outstanding play in singles, earning his 11th straight victory, 6-4, 6-0. Fieldsend turned back his foe at No. 3, 6-4, 6-1. Pate followed suit with a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 6.

FIT will resume Sunshine State Conference play against No. 5 Lynn next Friday, March 30, at 2 p.m. at the Fee Avenue Tennis Courts.