Burlington, VT- The men's tennis team opened their season against St. Michael's in Vermont. The Ephs got out to a strong start in doubles, breaking on all three courts early to establish themselves. Freshman
Leon Liu and junior
Shawn Berdia made quick work of their opponents, as Berdia's volley screamed past his opponents, and they wrapped up the set 6-2. Mere seconds later, at 3 doubles,
Simon Volkema and
Kush Anand closed out their set 6-2 as well. The top doubles pair for Williams served out the match 6-4, and it was on to singles.
In singles play,
Matt Kandel raced out to a quick lead and never looked back, winning 6-0, 6-1 in solid fashion. Next, Berdia polished off his opponent with beautiful tennis, and Williams was one win away from their first team victory of the season.
Nicholas Chen would be the man to do it, as he clinched the match for the Ephs with a nice serve and volley special. Soon after, Anand, Volkema, and Liu all won their matches in straight sets, giving the Ephs a nice sweep to start the year. Head coach
Dan Greenberg commented on the match, "It was about as good of a start as I can hope for. Everyone came out with energy and executed their plan A, and we all can go home with a win. On to Tufts."
Williams returns to action next week at home against Tufts and Bates, respectively.
Doubles
Chen/Kandel (WIL) def. Li/Brooker (STM) 6-4
Liu/Berdia (WIL) def. Barroso/Du Plessis (STM) 6-2
Volkema/Anand (WIL) def. Moser/Van den Broek (STM) 6-2
Singles
Kandel (WIL) def. Lundholm (STM) 6-0, 6-1
Berdia (WIL) def. Li (STM) 6-3, 6-0
Chen (WIL) def. Moser (STM) 6-2, 6-0
Anand (WIL) def. Barroso (STM) 6-2, 6-4
Liu (WIL) def. Van den Broek (STM) 6-3, 6-1
Volkema (WIL) def. Lundholm (STM) 6-2, 6-2
