KNOXVILLE, Tn- The men's tennis program picked up their first win of the season against the Blazers of Ohio Christian. Despite some close matches at the top of the lineup card, the Royals were able to get the sweep 7-0.
The Royals got off to a hot start with doubles as Junior Danny Orahood and Jacob Keeling were able to get an early break and never looked back rolling to a quick 6-0 win at the number two line. On the top line, Gerett Benjamin and Kaden Buchanan found themselves in a quick 2-0 hole. They were able to use some timely serving and dominating net play boosted the duo to a 6-3 win securing the doubles point for the Royals.
The Royals would carry the doubles momentum into singles with all five of the Royals taking the first sets. Camden Jones and Ian Thomas would continue rolling in the second, both winning by a score of 6-0, 6-0 at the four and five spots. Stephen Damon would also wrap up his match in straight sets winning 6-0, 7-6 at the number three line. The top two spots would both split sets resulting in a 10 point tie-break. Sophomore Kaden Buchanan fought back and forth with his opponent until finally getting a little breathing room on the third changeover. Using his big serve and forehand as a one-two punch, Buchanan would win at number one singles 6-3, 1-6, 10-7. The final match of the day came at the two spot where Jaden Talley held on to an early lead in the tie-break to win 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 to complete the sweep.
Coach Hale was very pleased with the results and fight that his team showed in the win. "We were really resilient, playing the biggest points the best today. We had a few courts where we let them back in some matches, but when we started to struggle, we regrouped and responded well. I'm really happy with our early toughness physically and mentally and the amount of growth we have made since day 1."
The Royals return to the courts Tuesday against Emory and Henry College.