No fewer than seven Wildcats advanced in the opening round of the ITA Southeast Regional Championships Friday in Memphis, Tenn.

Seniors Tigran Martirosyan and Jesse Witten, along with junior Nate Emge, each first-round byes and will participate in second-round action on Saturday. Junior Alex Hume, sophomore Jason Mallaiah and freshmen Marcus Sundh and Nolan Polley advanced the hard way by winning their opening-round matches.

Hume dominated his match against Florida?s Stefan Tell, winning by a 6-0, 6-0 count. Mallaiah went the distance in his first-round match, defeating Mississippi State?s Florent Girod, 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4). Sundh displayed an impressive showing in his opener, defeating Miami?s Ryan Waits by a 6-1, 6-4 count. Polley made short work of his opening-round opponent, turning away Memphis? Alex Bucewicz by a 6-2, 6-2 count.

The Cats resume action in the round of 32 Saturday in Memphis.

AGATE:

Marten Tamla (Memphis) def. Matt Emery (UK) ? 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 Jason Mallaiah (UK) def. Florent Girod (MSU) ? 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) Marcus Sundh (UK) def. Ryan Waits (UM) ? 6-1, 6-4 Nolan Polley (UK) def. Alex Bucewicz (Memphis) ? 6-2, 6-2 Alex Hume (UK) def. Stefan Tell (UF) ? 6-0, 6-0