Box Score 

CASTLETON, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team opened its 2009 season on Wednesday afternoon by dropping a tough 5-4 decision to in-state rival Castleton State. The teams split the six singles matches, but the Spartans won two of the three doubles sets to secure the victory.

Norwich (0-1) swept the top three singles matches, led by Peter Hooper's 6-0, 6-0 whitewash of Robbie Gray at the top flight. Collin Hyte defeated C.J. Sullivan, 6-3, 6-4, at No. 2 singles, while Matt Sanford got past Sam Levine, 6-3, 6-4, at third singles.

Castleton (2-0)  proved to be stronger in the bottom three flights as Justin Garritt secured a 6-3, 6-4 verdict against Chris Pashley at No. 4 singles, Jessee Maranda turned in a 6-4, 6-1 win over Travis Tyler at No. 5 singles and Ted Panasci defeated Bobby Whitbeck, 6-2, 6-1, at sixth singles.

In doubles action, Hooper and Tyler teamed for an 8-1 win over Gray and Levine in the top flight, but Castleton was able to rally and take the final two doubles matches to earn the win. Garritt and Panasci defeated Hyte and Pashley, 9-7, at No. 2 doubles, while Sullivan and Maranda downed Sanford and Graham Oliveira, 8-5, at third doubles.

Norwich returns to action on Saturday, March 21, when the Cadets travel to Boston, Mass., to battle GNAC rival Suffolk. 

Castleton 5, Norwich 4

Singles
1-Peter Hooper (NU) def. Robbie Gray, 6-0, 6-0
2-Collin Hyte (NU) def. C.J. Sullivan, 6-3, 6-4
3-Matt Sanford (NU) def. Sam Levine, 6-3, 6-4
4- Justin Garritt (CSC) def. Chris Pashley, 6-3, 6-4
5- Jessee Maranda (CSC) def. Travis Tyler, 6-4, 6-1
6- Ted Panasci (CSC) def. Bobby Whitbeck, 6-2, 6-1

Doubles
1-Hooper/Tyler (NU) def. Gray/Levine, 8-1
2-Garritt/Panasci (CSC) def. Hyte/Pashley, 9-7
3-Sullivan/Maranda (CSC) def. Sanford/Graham Oliveira, 8-5