ATLANTA – The 2023 home opener for Oglethorpe men's tennis was a successful one, as the Stormy Petrels handed visiting LaGrange a 9-0 defeat Saturday at Downing Howell Tennis Courts. The Petrels combined to drop only eight games in doubles and 15 games in singles.
Tony Molinet and Cameron Burkes at No. 3 doubles were the first match to finish, and their 8-0 victory that was completed in under 30 minutes would set the tone for a deciding team victory. Daniel Cohen and Jefferson Page at No. 2 doubles won 8-2 moments later, then Kirkman Kiker and Sam Wasko at No. 1 doubles finished 8-6 to secure the sweep of doubles.
The Stormy Petrels continued to dominate in the singles action. Burkes handed in a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles, another match that was over in record time. Cohen (6-2, 6-2 at No. 2), Kiker (6-2, 6-2 at No. 1) and Wasko (6-1, 6-3 at No. 4) rounded out their 2-0 season-opening efforts. John Erckert and Neal Nankani followed with easy wins of their own at No. 5 and No. 6 singles, respectively.
Erckert won 6-0, 6-0 before Nankani finished his collegiate debut with a 6-1, 6-1 win.
Match Notes
- Oglethorpe improved to 5-0 against LaGrange since 2011.
- The last time these two teams met was in 2021 and saw Cohen and Burkes help Oglethorpe to a 9-0 win.
Up Next
Oglethorpe opens up Southern Athletic Association play with a trip to Berry on Friday, March 3, beginning at 3 p.m. The Stormy Petrels will be home four more times this season, the next home match being Saturday, March 4.
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