LOS ANGELES - The UC Irvine men's tennis team had an impressive start to their final fall tournament, winning four singles and two doubles matches Friday at the LMU Invitational.
 
The tournament includes four teams - UCI, Utah, Utah State and host Loyola Marymount. Each team will play a total of three matches with six individual singles and three doubles contests per day.
 
On Friday, the Anteaters picked up four singles wins against Pac-12 member Utah. Sophomore Mike Mkrtchian led the way, dismantling Rafael Grovas in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.
 
Junior Jeremy Merville and freshman Ali Amiri both bounced back from a tiebreaker loss in the first set to win in three. Merville came from behind to top Paul McCallie, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, while Amiri responded with a 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 triumph against Randy Cory.
 
Senior Daniel Gealer also outlasted Azat Hankuliyev in a three-setter, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2.
 
Junior Mateusz Smolicki was up 4-3 in his opening set against Slava Shainyan before retiring. Sophomore Mark Peneff also dropped a tough 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 decision.
 
In doubles, the 'Eaters played three tightly contested matches against Utah State. Merville and freshman Matthew Sah defeated Felipe Acosta/Christian Holmes, 8-6.
 
Amiri and sophomore Aaron Bailey also took down Daniel Bushamuka/Javier Ruiz, 8-6. The Anteater duo improved to 5-1 on the year.
 
Senior Bruce Man-Son-Hing and Peneff teamed up for the first time and came up just short against Sergiu Bucur/Arvid Hjalte, 8-7.
 
UC Irvine resumes play tomorrow, starting with doubles against Loyola Marymount at 12 p.m. UCI will then face Utah State in singles.