SUMTER, S.C. – The Benedict College men's tennis team opened the 2019 season by dropping a pair of matches at the USC Sumter Invitational Tournament on Friday.

The Tigers opened the day with a 9-0 loss to The Citadel, then fell 7-2 to tournament host USC Sumter.

Against USC Sumter, Taj Ballantyne rallied to take a 1-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jorjay Paladines at the No. 4 singles spot. Armando Flores cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Jaime Sione at No. 6 singles.

The Benedict women's team opens the season on Tuesday at Converse College. Both the men and the women will be in action on Feb. 8 in their home opener against USC Aiken.