by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College men's tennis team earned its first two wins of the season on Saturday in Delaware, Ohio.

The Flying Dutchmen defeated host Ohio Wesleyan University, 5-4, then swept Centre College (Kentucky), 9-0.

Hope improved to 2-1 overall with the non-league victories.

Against Ohio Wesleyan, the Flying Dutchmen picked up points from senior Michael Kiley of Muskegon, Michigan (Mona Shores HS), pictured, at No. 3 singles, junior Danny Kroeze of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian) at No. 4 singles, and junior Alec Berrodin of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Northern).

Berrodin clinched a decisive final point by winning in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 1-0 (10-4). Kiley and Kroeze both won in two sets.

Kroeze teamed with senior Mark VanderStoep of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa) at No. 1 doubles for an 8-6 victory.

Kiley paired with senior Tim Roe of Bakersfield, California (Frontier) at No. 2 doubles for an 8-6 victory.

Against Centre, Hope claimed two three-set victories in singles play.

At No. 3 singles, Kiley won 6-0, 1-6, 1-0 (10-7).

At No. 6 singles, senior Justin Folkert of Hamilton, Michigan (Hamilton) won 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (10-8).

Hope's next match is Friday, February 15 at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.