ATHENS, Ga.? University of Kentucky sophomore Shane Collins claimed a three-set victory in the opening round of the Southern Intercollegiate Men?s Tennis Tournament held at the University of Georgia Friday.

Collins playing in the Division II doubles bracket earned the first set victory 6-2 over Birmingham-Southern?s David Ray. Ray forced the match into a third set after a hard-fought win, 7-6 (3). The Wildcat responded with a dominating 6-4 performance in the third set to move on to the second round. Collins faces Joakim Karlsson of Lander University at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Also in action were sophomores Bruno Agostinelli and Greg Anderson. Agostinelli dropped a three-set match to SEC-foe Vanderbilt?s Evan Dufaux. Agostinelli topped the Commodore 6-7 (9) in the opening marathon-set. Dufaux rebounded with 7-6 (3) and 7-6 (2) victories to earn the win.

Anderson fell to Duke?s Peter Rodrigues in straight-sets, 6-1, 6-4. All three UK tennis players resume action tomorrow. In addition to the singles bracket, Agostinelli and Collins will pair as the lone UK representative in the doubles bracket. Doubles play begins tomorrow as well.

Results of each of the UK tennis players? matches can be found at www.ukathletics.com.