Lakeland College

Muskies Sweep Carthage

Athletics - posted on 4/18/2007

The Lakeland men's tennis team was finally able to return to match play on Wednesday, Apr. 18, after going more than two weeks without a match due to poor weather conditions.

Although the Muskies were forced to move their match inside due to continuing stubborn weather, the squad was still able to gain the upper hand in the situation, sweeping Carthage College in non-conference action, 9-0.

"It was an adjustment for all," said head coach Ben Oestreich. "Fortunately we adjusted a little more quickly and were able to get things rolling early with quick victories in doubles."

Sophomore Matt Rutlin and freshman Andre Glass took the No. 1 doubles match, 8-2, while junior Mark Meade and freshman Andrew Waters were victorious at No. 2 doubles, 8-3.

In singles play, although some of the scores were close, the Muskies were still able to find ways to win every single match.

"Our singles play was highlighted by No. 5 singles," Oestreich said. "Andrew Waters had a great comeback victory in three sets after dropping the first set, 3-6."

After the slow start, Waters took the remaining sets, 7-5, 6-4, while a few of his teammates worked their way through a few close matches of their own. After a shaky 6-4 start to his No. 2 singles match, Rutlin was able to defeat Carthage's Joey Perkins, 6-1, in the second set to earn the victory. Meade fought through close scores in both sets of his No. 4 match, but earned the 6-3, 6-4 wins in the end.

At No. 1 singles, Glass scored a match with a win by defeating Greg Larson, 6-3, 6-0, while freshman Drazen Cvijanovic won the No. 3 match with a pair of 6-2 wins over Chumley Hodgson.

"Overall it was just nice for us to compete again after being rained, snowed, and frozen out for so long," Oestreich said. "Matt Rutlin, Andre Glass, and Drazen Cvijanovic did not show much rust after a two week vacation from competition."

The Muskies will return to Northern Athletics Conference action on Thursday, Apr. 19, with a home match against Aurora. Match time is set for 4 p.m. at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wis.

Share This Story