NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Christopher Newport's men's tennis team broke a three-match losing streak Friday afternoon on its home courts, braving unseasonably chilly weather to defeat Averett 7-2. The Captains (7-5, 2-1 USA South) went ahead 2-1 in doubles on 8-4 victories by the top two tandems of Gian Heyer-Matt King and Dusty Nelson-Eric Shulman.

The Cougars (9-2, 4-1), whose only previous loss was to regionally ranked Washington College of Maryland, fought hard in singles. The Captains hung in there, though, and emerged with a much-needed victory, led by Shulman. The junior, No. 4 in the ITA Division III national singles rankings, defeated Kirill Orlov 6-2, 6-1.

Nelson came from a set behind with one of the most impressive performances of his four-year career, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 against Ecuador's Bruno Faidutti to put CNU ahead 4-2.

Wins by No. 2 Heyer, No. 6 Joey Manilla and No. 4 King completed the triumph.

Weather permitting, CNU will play two home matches Saturday, meeting USA South foe Ferrum at 11 a.m. and regional rival Roanoke at about 3 p.m.

Doubles:
1. Gian Heyer-Matt King (CNU) d. Iliya Egorov-Kirill Orlov 8-4;
2. Dusty Nelson-Eric Shulman (CNU) d. David Lembke-Andrey Yasyr 8-4;
3. Bruno Faidutti-Xavier Ruiz (A) d. Lorenzo Sison-Tom Whaling 8-4.

Singles:
1. Shulman (CNU) d. Orlov 6-2, 6-1;
2. Heyer (CNU) d. Ruiz 6-4, 6-2;
3. Lembke (A) d. Garrett Widing 6-2, 7-5;
4. King (CNU) d. Yasyr 6-3, 6-4;
5. Nelson (CNU) d. Faidutti 2-6, 6-2, 6-1;
6. Joey Manilla (CNU) d. Egorov 6-4, 6-2.

Records:
Averett 9-2, 4-1 USA South; CNU 7-5, 2-1.