Tennis: Norwich Trips Johnson State, 5-4

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team won its second straight match to start the 2008 season, scoring a thrilling 5-4 victory over visiting Johnson State in a non-conference match Monday afternoon at Shapiro Field House.

The Cadets (2-0) opened a quick 2-1 lead following doubles competition as NU took the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles contests.

NU extended its lead as the Cadets No. 1 singles player, Peter Hooper, again showed his dominance by quickly overcoming his opponent Nick Gendron, 6-0, 6-0, to give Norwich a 3-1 edge. The match then became a seesaw battle with momentum swinging in both directions at different points. Travis Tyler played a very good third set to take a crucial victory over Justin Kutler at No. 4 singles. Johnson State battled back as Cameron MacDonald, Mike Fink and Pat Kantlehner took victories in their respective singles matches to bring the score to 4-4 with only the No. 2 singles match still in action.

As the other matches ended it became evident that this was the most exciting and important battle of the day. Ultimately, Norwich's Matt Sanford prevailed with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) decision against Jarryd Audette to secure the victory for the Cadets.

"Today's match was close throughout," said NU head coach Kyle Dezotell. "Johnson State head coach Dean Writer has done a great job with his team, and they have drastically improved from last year. I think they'll go on to play very well in their conference.

"We were very happy and fortunate to pull out this victory," added Dezotell. "That final match between Sanford and Audette could have gone either way, as both players had chances to win it.

"We now jump into GNAC play which means the competition will be much tougher. I am excited to see how we respond as a team. It will also be our first real opportunity to see Peter Hooper match up with someone of likely equal caliber."

NU returns to the courts on Saturday, March 29, when the Cadets travel to Providence, R.I., to take on GNAC foe Johnson & Wales.

Norwich 5, Johnson State 4

Doubles

1) Hooper/Sanford (NU) def. Gendron/Audette 8-0

2) Pashley/Tyler (NU) def. MacDonald/Kutler 8-3

3) Fink/Kantlehner(JSC) def. Washburn/Brammer 8-4

Singles

1) Peter Hooper (NU) def. Nick Gendron 6-0, 6-0

2) Matt Sanford (NU) def. Jarryd Audette 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4)

3) Cameron MacDonald (JSC) def. Chris Pashley 6-4, 1-6, 6-1

4) Travis Tyler (NU) def. Justin Kutler 6-2, 3-6, 6-2

5) Mike Fink (JSC) def. Garrett Washburn 6-3, 6-0