Blue Raiders slay Bears 5-2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee opened the 2010 home season on a high note defeating Brown 5-2 on Tuesday morning.

The Blue Raiders took an early 1-0 lead after the doubles matches and never looked back. Sophomore Richard Cowden and freshman Shaun Waters defeated Tom Deighton and Mike Hill 8-5 to open play.

Juniors John Peers and Kyle Wishing teamed up against Nathaniel Gorham and Kendrick Au winning 8-5 to clinch the point. Senior Victor Melo and sophomore Matthew Langley wrapped up doubles action with their 8-5 win over Timmy Klanke and Charlie Posner.

Peers started singles play on the right note as he defeated Gorham 7-6 (5), 6-1. Then Melo put the Blue Raiders up 3-0 in the match with his 6-1, 6-4 win over Au.

Brown's Hill defeated McCann 7-5, 6-1 to close the gap, 3-1. Cowden sealed the win for Middle Tennessee with his three-set win 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 over Klanke.

Langley padded the score with his 6-2, 6-2 win over Posner.

The Blue Raiders will be back in action later this afternoon when they play host to Tennessee Tech at Nashboro Village. Results will be posted on goblueraiders.com when they are available.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.