SACRAMENTO -- Sacramento State won five of the six singles matches, including the clincher from Henry Lamchinniah, to beat Saint Mary's, 5-2.

The Hornets, who improved to 4-4, used four freshmen and a sophomore in the singles lineup. Each of those players were victorious as the freshmen-laden squad continues to improve.

Sacramento State was playing just its third match of the season at home, and improved to 2-1 on campus. The Hornets have now defeated the Gaels four straight matches, and five of the last six.

After dropping the doubles point, the Hornets received three consecutive straight sets singles wins to take a 3-1 lead. David Dai (6-4, 6-1 at No. 6), Gur Libal (7-5, 6-2 at No. 2) and Nick Bowles (6-4, 6-4 at No. 3) - all freshmen - won their matches handily.

Making Dai's victory even sweeter is that it came on his 19th birthday. In addition, Dai trailed in the first set, 3-0, before winning 12 of the next 14 games.

After Saint Mary's won at No. 4 to get back within, 3-2, Lamchinniah won his match at No. 1 in three sets (6-2, 3-6, 7-5) to secure the victory. Martin Duris won his match at No. 5 in three sets to provide the final score.

"After dropping the doubles point, the guys knew we had to come out strong in singles play" Sacramento State head coach Kevin Kurtz said. "They responded by winning the first set in five of the six matches, and played some very good tennis the rest of the day."

The Hornets jump back into Big Sky Conference play later this week for road matches Friday at Weber State (10:30 a.m. PT) and Sunday at Idaho State (10 a.m. PT).