The 21st ranked University of Mary Washington men's tennis team defeated Bates College, 7-2, on Friday afternoon at the Battleground, to improve to 8-4 on the season.

The Eagles used a strong effort in doubles to take a 2-1 advantage entering singles play. Matt Miles and Derek Hagino picked up a quick 8-2 victory at two doubles for the first point of the day, and Michael Fleming and Ryland Byrd followed with a win at one doubles, 8-5, to give UMW the lead heading to singles action.

In singles, Fleming and Hagino won quickly at four and six to push the Eagles to a 4-1 lead. After Bates took a point at one, the remaining three matches all went three sets, and all three were taken by the Eagles for the 7-2 win.

Miles won at two, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, and Hughes won at three, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Joseph Brown ended the day with a 7-6, 0-6, 6-4 win at five.

The Eagles will be back in action on Saturday when they visit Capital Athletic Conference challenger Christopher Newport University at 3 p.m. in Newport News.