JMU Wins Spring Opener, 7-0, Against Southern Virginia

Saturday, January 18

Harrisonburg, Va.

10 a.m.

James Madison University

Southern Virginia

1/18/2020 4:04:00 PM | Men's Tennis

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison opened its dual season on Saturday afternoon, registering a 7-0 victory against Southern Virginia at the East Campus Tennis Courts.

The Dukes won two of the three doubles matches and six straight-set victories in singles.

SVU opened the match with a 6-1 win at No. 3 doubles, but the Dukes rolled to wins on court one and two to claim the double point and early 1-0 lead. At No. 1 doubles, the tandem of senior Paul Mendoza and freshman Holden Koons took a 6-2 win from Kukutla Motlojoa and Daniel Blonquist. Moments later, the duo of senior Tate Steinour and sophomore William Karpinski cruised to a 6-1 victory at No. 2 doubles, taking down Marcos Dias and Paul Monson.

In singles play, the Dukes didn't drop a single set to clinch their first win of the spring.

Koons earned his first career dual singles victory at No. 4 against Daniel Blonquist, 6-1, 6-2. Junior Gonzalo Adis rallied back after falling behind 4-2 to Paul Monson in the first set, clinch a win of 6-4, 6-2.

Mendoza led the way at No. 1 with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Dias. Junior Alvaro Arce won 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2 over Motlojoa, and Karpinski conceded just one game, claiming a 6-0, 6-1 win against Ethan Sherwood. Senior Damon Roberts wrapped up the match, winning his matchup against Tanner Bassett, 6-0, 6-2.

QUOTING HEAD COACH STEVE SECORD
"It's always great to get the first win of the season and calm the nerves. The guys did a great job getting the doubles point. We will be moving some of the doubles teams around a little bit this year, but getting the doubles point is always good. Jason [Sinkoff] said that the four, five, and six singles players did a great job getting out there, even though the match was already clinched. All the players went out and supported one another and overall, it was a good match. We are looking forward to two really strong matches next weekend."

UP NEXT
JMU is back in action on Friday, Jan. 24 when it hosts Richmond at the East Campus Tennis Courts. Action is set to begin at 3 pm.