VALDOSTA, Ga. – The No. 2 Valdosta State men's tennis team opened its 2026 season with a gritty 5-2 victory over Middle Georgia on Tuesday, extending its winning streak to 43 consecutive matches dating back to the 2023-24 season.  

The Blazers (1-0) were tested early as the visiting Knights claimed the doubles point, highlighted by Alexandr Achour and Daniel Gacia Suarez's 6-4 victory at No. 1 doubles.  Valdosta State earned one doubles victory at No. 3, where Yohann Meunier and Jan Thissen won 6-2, but Middle Georgia edged the overall point.  

Valdosta State responded strongly in singles, winning five of six matches.  Jerome Iaconi jump-started the rally with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 4, followed by Emile Delporte's 7-5, 6-0 victory at No. 5 to give the Blazers a 2-1 lead.  Middle Georgia (0-1) tied the match at 2-2 when Achour defeated Thissen at No. 3.  

From there, the Blazers took control.  No. 24-ranked Julien Doitteau delivered a key 6-3, 6-4 win at No. 2, while Pietro Casciola clinched in dramatic fashion at No. 6, winning 7-6 (7-2), 7-5 after fending off a late rally.  No. 42-ranked Pilip Bosse sealed the team victory with a hard-fought, three-set win at No. 1, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.  

Valdosta State now has 11 days off before returning to action, hosting Embry-Riddle on Satruday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m., at the VSU Tennis Complex.