East Providence, R.I. – Coming off its first loss in a month, the Johnson & Wales University men's tennis team responded by winning its GNAC opener in convincing fashion. The Wildcats started the conference slate with a 9-0 blanking of Norwich on Saturday at Centre Court.

The Wildcats improved to 9-4 while the Cadets dropped to 4-5.

The closest match of the day was at number one doubles. The tandem of Andre Barbero (Brielle, NJ) and Nicholas Auffret (Holtsville, NJ) won the tiebreaker 7-3 to prevail 9-8 over Ian Hyte and Jeff Purdy.

The Wildcats didn't drop a single game in two and three doubles as Jason Chavenson (Upper Dublin, Pa.) and Taylor Farmer (Carmel, Ind.) cruised to an 8-0 win at number two. Three doubles went to Ryan Schiele (Lusby, Md.) and Jorge Mancebo (Santiago, DR), 8-0.

Johnson & Wales did not drop a set during singles action on its way to the sweep. Famer was the first off the court with his 6-0, 6-4 win against Mason Madison at number four. The clinching point came from Auffret as he topped Jay Carter at number two, 6-2, 6-1.

The Wildcats travel across town on Thursday to take on Rhode Island College at 3:30 p.m.

Johnson & Wales 9, Norwich 0

Singles competition

1. Andre Barbero (JWUMT) def. Ian Hyte (NOR) 6-1, 6-0
2. Nicholas Auffret (JWUMT) def. Jay Carter (NOR) 6-2, 6-1
3. Jason Chavenson (JWUMT) def. Jeff Purdy (NOR) 6-2, 6-3
4. Taylor Farmer (JWUMT) def. Mason Madison (NOR) 6-0, 6-4
5. Jorge Mancebo (JWUMT) def. Tyler Eagan (NOR) 6-2, 6-1
6. Ryan Schiele (JWUMT) def. Sam Beiter (NOR) 6-2, 6-0

Doubles competition
1. Nicholas Auffret/Andre Barbero (JWUMT) def. Ian Hyte/Jeff Purdy (NOR) 9-8 (7-3)
2. Jason Chavenson/Taylor Farmer (JWUMT) def. Tyler Eagan/Jay Carter (NOR) 8-0
3. Ryan Schiele/Jorge Mancebo (JWUMT) def. Sam Beiter/Mason Madison (NOR) 8-0

Order of finish: Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (4,2,1,6,3,5)