Vs. Methodist (W, 5-4) -
Box Score
Vs. Bridgewater (W, 7-2) -
Box Score
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Christopher Newport men's tennis team opened the spring season on Sunday, picking up a pair of neutral court victories over regionally-ranked opponents. The Captains (2-0) edged former conference mates Methodist University, 5-4, and backed up that win with a 7-2 victory over Bridgewater College.
CNU, ranked #10 in the Atlantic South region according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), was led by a pair of freshmen on the day as
Steven Boslet and
Sam Thomson each posted an impressive 4-0 performance. Thomson scored the clinching point against the Eagles in the second match of the day.
In the day's first match, the Captains pulled ahead of the Monarchs, ranked 11th in the Atlantic South, after a sweep of the three doubles matches. The lead would extend to 4-1 after Thomson won a second-set tiebreak at No. 3 over Greg Patterson, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2). The Monarchs would respond though, winning at No. 1 and No. 6 to pull back within one as a team, 4-3.
Arttu Fiva would get the clincher for CNU, though, dropping Dillon Sullivan at No. 4 to get CNU the team victory. Fiva won 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, adding to his team leading win total for the year.
In the second match of the day, the Captains pulled away from the Eagles early. Bridgewater, ranked #15 in the Atlantic South, won the first singles match, but CNU had already built a 3-0 lead after again sweeping the doubles. Led again by the rookie duo, the Captains quickly clinched the match and cruised to a 7-1 advantage.
In doubles play, Boslet and Thomson combined for an 8-2 win at No.1, defeating the Eagles' pairing of Mike Cable and Christian Lynn. Then, Boslet surrendered just two games in a quick 6-1, 6-1 victory over Kyle Hartfield at No. 2 singles to help CNU build the lead. Thomson's clinching match included a tiebreaker in the first set, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 over Lynn at No. 3 singles.
The Captains will not play again until February 22nd, when they play host to NCAA Division I Norfolk State University. CNU will take on the Spartans at Noon.
