Tennis: Colby-Sawyer Defeats Norwich, 7-2

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team lost its second straight match on Thursday afternoon, dropping a 7-2 decision to visiting Colby-Sawyer College in a non-league contest at Shapiro Field House.

The Cadets, who lost to GNAC foe Johnson & Wales, 8-1, last Saturday, fall to 2-2 on the young season. The Chargers, meanwhile, improve to 5-5 on the year.

Sophomore Peter Hooper helped collect both of NU's points, as the Spartansburg, S.C., native secured a 6-1, 6-0 verdict over Justin Tardif at No. 1 singles, and teamed with Chris Sanford to take an 8-4 decision at No. 1 doubles.

Colby-Sawyer won the five remaining singles matches, and the second and third doubles matches to earn the win.

"Today, we were beaten by a very good Colby-Sawyer team," said NU head coach Kyle Dezotell. "They had great depth, and were consistent throughout the lineup. I think Hooper and Sanford played their best doubles match of the season. They are starting to develop a partnership capable of winning any match for us at first doubles.

"Hooper played really well today, and handily beat his opponent," added Dezotell. "He has been getting better each match which is important as we head into the stretch run of GNAC matches coming up.

"This weekend is a huge match for us with GNAC playoff implications clearly on the line against Albertus Magnus."

Norwich resumes its GNAC schedule on Saturday, April 5, when the Cadets host Albertus Magnus at Shapiro Field House.

Colby-Sawyer 7, Norwich 2

Singles

#1: Peter Hooper(NU) def. Justin Tardif 6-1, 6-0

#2: Ben Dabush(CSC) def. Matt Sanford 6-1, 6-0

#3: Evan Campbell(CSC) def. Chris Pashley 6-2, 6-1

#4: Bryan Racz(CSC) def. Travis Tyler 6-0, 6-3

#5: Ryan Murray(CSC) def. Garrett Washburn 6-2, 6-0

#6: Matt Larson(CSC) def. Katie Brammer 6-0, 6-1

Doubles

#1: Hooper/Sanford(NU) def. Dabush/Murray 8-4