HUNTINGTON, W.Va.-Higher seeds prevailed in the opening round of the MEC Men's Tennis Tournament on Friday. The University of Charleston blanked Shepherd University 5-0 and Fairmont State University downed West Virginia State 5-0 at the Brian David Cox Tennis Center to advance to semifinal action.

In the opening match, the fourth-seeded Golden Eagles grabbed a quick 3-0 lead in doubles play. Charleston built on the momentum in singles play, with No. 3 Alex Gracin and No. 5 Elliott Le Petit downing their opponents 6-0, 6-0 to secure victory. (Match Results)

In Friday's second quarterfinal match, Fairmont State, the number three seed, swept West Virginia State in doubles play to gain an early 3-0 advantage. No. 5 Matias Higueras and No. 6 Tom Liddy closed out the match with 6-0, 6-0 victories in singles competition; securing the team win. (Match Results)

Charleston will square off against top-seeded West Liberty on Saturday at 11 a.m. Fairmont State will take on the number two seed, West Virginia Wesleyan at 2 p.m.