CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Elon men’s tennis team started off Southern Conference play in the right direction, claiming a 7-0 victory at The Citadel today, March 4. The Phoenix is now 4-6 (1-0 SoCon) on the season, while the Bulldogs drop to 4-3 (0-1).
“It was good to get this first SoCon victory,” said Elon men’s tennis coach Michael Leonard. “I really think this team and these young guys are getting better with each match.”
Stefan Fortmann and Jordan Kaufman picked up a commanding 8-1 win at number two doubles against Dillion Berkabile and James Atkinson. At number three, Christopher Geaslen and Andrew Prince defeated Elliott Sperr and Alex Howie, 8-2. Cameron Silverman and Eric Turner also picked up a win for the Phoenix, 8-4, at number one over David Ocres and Peter Bleach. The doubles sweep gave the Phoenix a 1-0 edge heading into singles play.
In singles play, Fortmann made quick work of Josh Cook at number two, winning 6-2, 6-0. Silverman also won in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, on court one over Ocres.
At number six, Prince earned the 6-4, 6-2 decision against Sperr, while Juan Madrid defeated Berkabile, 7-6, 6-4, at number four.
After a big 6-1 first-set victory, Turner dropped the second set, 7-6, to Bleach at number three. Turner won the tight third set, 7-6, to get the victory. Kaufman defeated Atkinson at number five, 6-1, 3-6, 6-0, for the Phoenix to sweep all the matches.
Elon returns to The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center on Saturday, March 10, for its first home SoCon match against Chattanooga at noon.