CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland State men's tennis team opened its Horizon League slate Friday, picking up a 5-2 victory at Youngstown State. With the win, the Vikings are now 10-6 overall this spring and 1-0 in league play.

"This was a great way to start off the conference season," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "The team showed some great mental toughness to earn a tough win today. After the team came out on fire in doubles, Lincoln was able to battle some nerves and settle in to his match to get his first conference win, while Mikael had another clincher to add to the lore of his career. We were able to win the battle of third sets, going 3-0 in third sets on the match, which was great to see."

The Vikings picked up the doubles point against Youngstown State, earning wins at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. JuandeDios Abboud and Carl Gedlitschka earned a 6-3 win at the No. 2 spot, while Devin Boyer and Lincoln Battle posted a matching 6-3 win at the No. 3 spot.

YSU was able to even the match with a win at No. 4 singles, but a 7-5, 6-1 win from Battle at the top of the lineup gave Cleveland State a 2-1 advantage.

The Penguins were once again able to even the score with a win at No. 5 singles, before a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win from Kade Mindry at the No. 3 spot gave the Vikings a 3-2 edge.

Mikael Erler then clinched the match for the Vikings at No. 2 singles, earning a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 win to give Cleveland State its first Horizon League win of the season.

Gedlitschka then put the final point on the board for the Vikings, earning a 6-1, 6-7(5), 7-6(5) win at No. 6 singles.

Cleveland State will continue its spring slate at home on Sunday, hosting Chicago State at 10:00 a.m. and Baldwin Wallace at 6:00 p.m.