by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College men's tennis team was edged in its season opener, 5-4, by Cornerstone University on Friday at DeWitt Tennis Center.

It was the first match for the Flying Dutchmen in 343 days.

Listen to a season-preview interview with head men's and women's tennis coach Bob Cawood on the Orange and Blue Athletics Podcast

In singles, sophomore Jacob Burkett (Clarkston, Michigan/Clarkston HS) recorded a 6-1, 6-4 victory at the No. 1 flight against Cornerstone's Aliaksei Kanstantsinau.

Photo of Jacob Burkett by Lynne Powe

At No. 4 singles, sophomore Tyler Stafford (Grand Rapids, Michigan/Grand Rapids Christian) rallied for a 6-7 (8), 6-3, 10-7 victory against Cornerstone's Jose Oliva.

At No. 6 singles, sophomore Matt Henkel (Traverse City, Michigan/Central) topped Cornerstone's Matthew Hall, 6-3, 6-4.

In doubles, Stafford teamed with sophomore Paul Washington (Dearborn, Michigan/Dearborn) for an 8-4 victory at the No.3 flight against Cornerstone's Matthew Hall and Alejandro Santana.

Hope returns to the court on Saturday, February 13 at DeWitt Tennis Center for a 3 p.m. match against Davenport University.