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| Nick Biniker |
The College of Wooster men's tennis team already seems to be taking great strides under first-year head coach Tim Dunford, as the Fighting Scots rolled past Malone University 7-1 in their 2013 debut on Wednesday at Wooster's D.J. Hard Memorial Courts.
A renewed emphasis on doubles during practice sessions paid early dividends, as the Scots (1-0) opened the match by sweeping the doubles competition, headlined by a pair of hard-fought victories at Nos. 1 and 2.
At the top of the lineup, seniors Landon Moore and Nick Biniker, playing for the first time together since they were paired up twice as freshmen, were down a service break for much of the match before breaking back their opponents back-to-back times and then serving out for the 8-6 decision, while at second doubles, sophomores Willy Nelson and Milo Saurman gained a 7-4 lead and later held off their foes in a tiebreaker for a 9-8 (7-4) win.
Freshmen Jack Buchan and Davis Elkins had an easier time, cruising 8-2 at the third position.
With a comfortable 3-0 lead on the scoreboard, a consistent effort from top-to-bottom in singles allowed Wooster to secure the win. Saurman, senior Zack Rotter, and senior John Schulz each yielded just three games at the third (6-2, 6-1), fourth (6-1, 6-2), and fifth spots (6-1, 6-2), respectively, while with darkness setting in, Buchan quickly won an eight-game pro set at No. 6 (8-1). Nelson's match at No. 2 was not completed due to darkness.
The Scots will be back in action next Tuesday against Walsh University (1-1), also at home at 4 p.m.