TYLER, Texas – The Howard Payne men’s tennis team won their opening round match of the 2010 American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament 5-3 over Mississippi College Friday afternoon.

After dropping the #1 and #2 doubles matches, the Jackets #3 doubles team of Jeff Toyne and Ryan Prather won 8-6 to keep Howard Payne alive.

From there Howard Payne only gave up the #5 singles but posted wins in everything else for the 5-3 win. The #4 singles match was unfinished due to HPU securing the match win.

Edward Martinez and Will Thomas each won in three sets. Seniors Chris Sutton and Ross Sidman both won in straight sets.

The Jackets will face ASC West Division opponent McMurry University on Saturday at 1:30 pm.