(The Picket)- The Shepherd University men’s tennis team swept Shenandoah University, Feb.4th, winning all positions, to kick off the season.
Losing to the team last year 5-4, senior Grant Davis said it was a big accomplishment to win, and to win all positions at that.
Winning first seed doubles 8-3, brothers Grant and Carter Davis played a thrilling match that left the brothers hustling to gain every point.
“I love playing doubles with my brother. I concentrate on doubles more than singles,” Carter Davis said.
Playing doubles second seed, Lewis Charette and Shane Dempsey defeated their opponents 8-1.
Third seed doubles, Austin Thomas and Kaleb Lochner posted an 8-2 victory over their opponents.
The men swept their way through their singles matches as well.
“The freshman really stepped it up, winning their first matches of the season is a really big deal,” Grant Davis, a senior said.
First seed Carter Davis, a freshman, defeated his opponent 6-3, 6-0. He said his serve and forehand were his specialties coming into the match and that during his play he got a lot of “one two punches” with them.
Second seed Grant Davis, a senior, won his match 6-4, 6-3. He said his ability to track down the balls and his quickness on the court was what made him capable of winning his match.
Third seed Shane Dempsey, a sophomore, swept through his match 6-0,6-0. He said his strengths during the match was placing the ball and controlling the points.
Fourth seed Kaleb Lochner, a freshman, gained a 6-1, 6-2 victory over his opponent. He said, “It was nice to play indoors and get out of the cold. Everyone is playing very well right now.” He also said his strengths during the match were his serve and putting away volleys at the net.
Fifth seed Austin Thomas, a senior, won his match 8-5.
Sixth seed Lewis Charette, a senior, defeated his opponent 8-1. He said his ability to ace his opponent was the key to winning his match, giving him the nickname “ace master.”
The Shepherd men and women’s tennis team will continue match play Sun, Feb. 19th at 1 p.m. against Bluefield State College at Virginia Tech.
Zoe Nicewander is a Sports Reporter for the Picket. She can be reached at ZNICEW01@rams.shepherd.edu
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