MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of Montevallo men's tennis team defeated in-state rival University of North Alabama 5-4 in a Gulf South Conference match March 30.

The nationally-ranked Falcons, who trailed 2-1 after doubles' play, rallied with quick straight set victories by freshmen Gavin Salton, Tanguy David and Daniel Del Val before freshman Petter Dahlin clinched the win for the Falcons with a 6-4, 6-4 win over the No. 38 nationally-ranked singles' player Jason Pimenta in the No. 1 singles' match.

Dahlin, the No. 40 ranked singles' player nationally, helped Montevallo improve to 13-4 overall and 5-3 in Gulf South Conference play.

"This was a great win in a very tight match," said Montevallo men's tennis coach Adam Albertsen. "After digging a hole in doubles' play, we fought back and found a way to win over a very talented North Alabama team."

Del Val claimed the No. 3 singles' match with a 6-2, 6-3 victory. David won the No. 5 singles' match by a score of 6-2, 6-2. Salton defeated his opponent in the No. 6 singles' match 6-2, 6-3.

Freshmen Milan Ludlage and Brecht Van Buggenhout claimed the Falcons' lone victory in the doubles' play with a 8-6 win in the No. 3 doubles' match.

The Falcons will return to action Wednesday, April 4 with a Gulf South Conference match against nationally-ranked Auburn-Montgomery.