Davidson M. Tennis Opens Spring With Battle vs. #66 Clemson

Saturday, January 16

Clemson, SC

3:00 p.m.

Davidson College

#66 Clemson

Davidson M. Tennis Opens Spring With Battle vs. #66 Clemson

1/16/2010 8:43:41 PM | Men's Tennis

Gavin McFarlin - Assistant SID

Match Results

CLEMSON, S.C. — The Davidson men's tennis team got things rolling for their 2010 spring season by playing against the 66th ranked Clemson Tigers, falling by the score of 5-2 on Saturday afternoon at the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center.

The two teams were meeting for the eighth time, but the first since 1967 – 43 years ago. Davidson came in holding an overall series record of 5-2, and winners of the last two meetings.

The Wildcats (0-1) never backed down against the nationally ranked Tigers (2-0). They scored a win in doubles action, with Calum Gee (Ayr, Scotland) and Walker Lyons (Wallingford, Pa.) bringing home an 8-7 victory after Clemson took decisions at the No.1 and 3 positions to capture the doubles point.

Davidson got both of its team points from a pair of freshman, who were making their collegiate debuts. Joe Schafer (Orchard Park, N.Y.), who had an outstanding Fall season, got his college career off on a positive note with an impressive 6-4, 6-3 win over Gera Boryachinskly at No. 3 singles.

Then his fellow classmate, Chris Mark (Union City, Calif.) followed suit with a 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Robert Pietrucha at No. 4.

The third of the Wildcats' top-25 recruiting class this past year, Kevin Moore (Overland, Kan.), also had a strong debut at the No. 6 position. He battled Juan Bolona in a two-set affair, falling 6-4, 6-4.

The January 16th date was the earliest the 'Cats have opened the season in the last 22 years. Two years ago they opened up against N.C. State on the 19th.

Davidson returns home for its home opener in a doubleheader against Presbyterian and Richmond, Jan. 23. The Wildcats will open against Presbyterian at 9 a.m. and then play Richmond at 3 p.m., both at the Knobloch Tennis Center.