The University of Mary Washington men's tennis team overcame a 2-1 deficit after doubles to defeat Salisbury University, 5-4, on Thursday in the 2011 Capital Athletic Conference Championship.

The Eagles, winners of their 12th straight CAC title, improve to 16-10 on the year and will advance to the NCAA Tournament next month.

Salisbury's top two doubles teams outdueled their Eagles foes to take a 2-1 lead into singles.  Daniel Barnas and Andrew Nottage combined for the win at No. 1 doubles while David Lupinetti and Henry Stuhler gained the team point at No. 2 doubles.

UMW won three straight singles matches, by Kevin Aquino at six, Kaz Murata at two, and Riley  Baver at five to come one point from victory.

Barnas won at three singles for the Gulls to cut the deficit to 4-3, but UMW sophomore Will Apperson overcame a shaky start at four for a 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 win to clinch the title.

CAC Men's Tennis Championship Match Results
Salisbury vs Mary Washington
Apr 21, 2011 at Fredericksburg, Va.

#5 Mary Washington 5, #7 Salisbury 4

SINGLES
1. Andrew Nottage (SAL) def. Sam Wichlin (UMW) 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6)
2. Kaz Murata (UMW) def. David Lupinetti (SAL) 6-2, 6-2
3. Daniel Barnas (SAL) def. Alex Blakhin (UMW) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
4. Will Apperson (UMW) def. Henry Stuhler (SAL) 2-6, 7-5, 7-5
5. Riley Baver (UMW) def. Giorgio Athans (SAL) 6-2, 6-3
6. Kevin Aquino (UMW) def. Justin Smith (SAL) 6-2, 6-1

DOUBLES
1. Daniel Barnas/Andrew Nottage (SAL) def. Riley Baver/Kaz Murata (UMW) 8-5
2. David Lupinetti/Henry Stuhler (SAL) def. Andrew Frisk/Will Apperson (UMW) 8-2
3. Alex Blakhin/Kevin Aquino (UMW) def. Curtis Quandt/Giorgio Athans (SAL) 8-4

Match Notes:
Salisbury 15-8; Regional ranking #7
Mary Washington 16-10; National ranking #23; Regional ranking #5
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (6,2,5,3,4,1)
2011 Capital Athletic Conference Championship