CHARLESTON, S.C. – The College of Charleston men's tennis team (8-4) will play its first CAA opponent of the season this Thursday, when they travel to central North Carolina to duke it out with the Elon Phoenix (6-9) at 2:30 p.m.
 
The Cougars ride a two-match winning streak, having compiled victories against Lynchburg College and Illinois State. The College dispatched the Redbirds 5-2, thanks to a tight doubles victory, as well as wins in the top two and bottom two singles flights. Benedikt Henning and Rodrigo Encinas both won in three sets to put CofC over the top.
 
The two teams met twice last season, which saw the Cougars achieve the 4-3 edge on both occasions. Their meeting in the CAA Tournament semifinals was an instant classic, with the match being decided by Encinas winning 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(14) over Mario Paccini in flight two.
 
At 6-9 on the season, Elon has struggled of late with four losses in their previous five contests. However, they are 2-0 in conference play this season with wins over James Madison and William & Mary, putting them in the driver's seat for the No. 1 seed in the CAA Tournament in April. The Phoenix is led by Felipe Sarrasague, who is not only the top-flight option for Elon, but boasts the best singles record on the team at 10-5.