AZUSA, Calif. -- The NCAA Division II No. 11-ranked Azusa Pacific men's tennis team jumped out to an early lead against Sonoma State, then held off the Seawolves' late rally for a 4-2 victory. With the win, the Cougars improve to 9-1 on the season.

Azusa Pacific had the upper hand in doubles, claiming two victories to pocket the opening point of the day. On court one, the tandem of Jesse Haas and Jakob Schnaitter topped Sonoma State's Max Nudell and Nate Oppenheim, 6-3. Just after that, Ronald Kang and Ethan Smith notched a 7-6 win on court three over Josh Liu and Santiago Sarudiansky.

In singles play, Azusa Pacific kept its foot on the gas, as Jakob Schnaitter picked up the first win at No, 1 singles, 6-4, 6-2. Roberto Luconi fell by a 7-6, 6-2 margin at the No. 6 position, tightening the Cougars' lead to 2-1, but Jesse Haas bounced back at the No. 4 slot with a three-set win for the Cougars, 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. Ryan Nuno clinched the match at the No. 2 spot with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win over Santiago Sarudiansky. Sonoma State picked up another point after the Cougars clinched the match, as Josh Liu edged Ethan Smith at No. 5 singles by a score of 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.

The Cougars return to action on Tuesday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m., hosting Western New Mexico.