SAN DIEGO - San Diego men's tennis (3-1) opened conference play Saturday with a 6-1 win over Saint Mary's (1-4) at the Skip and Cindy Hogan Center. 

"Today was a great bounce back win for this team", said head coach Ryan Keckley.   "With a younger group, you can never be sure how they are going to respond after an emotional loss the day before.  They took care of their minds and bodies last night and had a great performance in singles against a tricky SMC team."

The Toreros fell behind early, losing the doubles point after August Holmgren and David Norfeldt were defeated 7-6 (7-3) in doubles play. 

The loss did not shake either one however, as both dominated singles play. Norfeldt won his match 6-4, 6-1 and Holmgren defeated No. 23 Damon Kesaris 6-3, 6-3. 

Holmgren's victory over one of the best players in the country had his head coach singing his praises after the match. 

"What a weekend for August Holmgren as well. He toppled two very tough competitors on his home court," said Keckley."We continue to be impressed by his professionalism and strong mentality during these tough matches."

"Kesaris has been a dominant force in the WCC for a number of years now, and August proved today that he is one of the best the WCC has to offer."

Other standout performances included lias Zimmermann's 6-1, 6-1 win, Nico Borter's 6-3, 6-2 win and Sacchitt Sharrma's 6-0, 6-3 win which clinched the match for San Diego. 

The Toreros head out on the road for the first time this season as they travel up north to take on Cal on Feb. 26. The match is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.

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Results (in order of finish) 

Doubles 

2. Damon Kesaris/Fabian Roensdorf (SMC) def. Blake Kasday/Ilias Zimmerman (USD) 6-2

3. Nico Borter/Sacchitt Sharrma (USD) def. Karlo Divkovic/Matis Bot (SMC) 6-2

1.  James Watt/Boris Reckow (SMC) def. August Holmgren/David Norfeldt (USD) 7-6 (7-3)

Singles 

4. Ilias Zimmermann (USD) def. Sebastian Grijalva (SMC) 6-1, 6-1

2. David Norfeldt (USD) def. James Watt (SMC) 6-4, 6-1

3. Nico Borter (USD) def. Fabian Roensdorf (SMC) 6-3, 6-2

5. Sacchitt Sharrma (USD) def. Karlo Divkovic (SMC) 6-0, 6-3

1. #60 August Holmgren (USD) def. #23 Damon Kesaris (SMC) 6-3, 6-3

6. Marvin Schaber (USD) def. Matis Bot (SMC) 3-6, 6-1, 1-0 (10-8)