Sewanee, Tenn. (Feb. 21, 2012) – In their first match of the season, the Tigers were swept 9-0 by the visiting NAIA Cumberland University. Sewanee freshman Rand Jackson forced a second-set tiebreaker at No. 1 singles but eventually fell 6-3, 7-5.
The first flight of doubles, played by Cumberland's Manuelo Marcelo from Portugal and Evan Sanna from Australia, defeated Levi Joy and Grant Hopkins of Sewanee 8-4. Cumberland went on to win the next two flights of doubles 8-6 and 8-5.
All six of Cumberland's singles matches were played by international students, and Sewanee could not find their footing against the competition. Playing No. 1 singles for Sewanee, Jackson gave Cumberland's Marcelo a tough match before falling in the tiebreaker. At No. 2 singles, Grant Hopkins started strong against Na'iam Azharb from Bermuda at 6-4, then dropped the second set 6-0.
Sewanee Head Coach John Shackelford commented, "This was a good opening effort for the Tigers against a talented and experienced international squad. This experience will help us prepare for the rugged SCAC competition ahead."
The Tigers will hit the courts again on Friday at home. The match vs. Piedmont College will start at 2:00 PM.
For more information on Sewanee Athletics, please visit www.SewaneeTigers.com.
