DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central freshman Naresh Bharathy earned the first singles victory of his collegiate career in the Eagles' 6-1 home opening loss to Campbell at the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts on Friday afternoon.

Bharathy and the Camels' Lukstins Gustavs fought back and forth for three intense sets. Bharathy took the first set 7-5, and Gustavs responded by capturing the second set 7-5 to set up the winner takes all third frame. Bharathy outlasted his opponent and won the final stanza 10-7 to earn his first singles victory.

Also competing in a three-set war was junior Shaka Cristellotti, who dropped the first set to Will Thompson 6-2, and bounced back to win the second set 6-4 to set up the pivotal third set. In the final set, the pair fought, but Thompson survived and won the set 13-11.

NCCU graduate student Sebastian Pino was beaten by Tomas Balazi 6-3, 7-6 (1) and sophomore Oliver Saarinen was defeated by Lukas Steffen (6-1, 6-3).

Freshmen Kareem Abdul Hakim and Neiman Sneed continue to gain experience at the next level. Abdul Hakim was clipped by Leon Petko 6-4, 7-6 (2), while Sneed fell to Noe Macquart 6-3, 6-2.

Balazi and Petko teamed up in doubles to take down Pino and Saarinen (6-1) while Lukstins and Thompson outlasted Cristellotti and freshman Liam Murtaugh (6-4) to secure the point for the Camels.

Up next, NCCU (0-5) will host Queens University of Charlotte on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts at 2 p.m.