by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College men's tennis team earned its first victory of the season with a 9-0 victory against Albion College on Saturday.

Playing outdoors for the first time this season, the Flying Dutchmen won all six singles matches in straight sets to take the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams.

Head coach Bob Cawood said the Flying Dutchmen benefited from playing five strong non-league opponents to begin the season. Hope's schedule featured three NCAA Division II opponents. The Flying Dutchmen last played on February 27 against Ferris State University.

"All the preparations, not just this year but the previous year, paid off in our first conference match," Cawood said. "We were in some difficult situations where we did not come out winning, but those were all learning for moments like this. Does it feel good? Yes. But this is just another stepping stone for us. We're still working on constant improvement."

Photo of Tyler Stafford and Paul Washington by Lynne Powe

At No. 1 singles, sophomore Jacob Burkett of Clarkston, Michigan (Clarkston HS) defeated Albion's Brett Gurzell, 6-0, 6-3.

At No. 2 singles, sophomore Cameron Coates of Stevensville, Michigan (Laurel Springs) recorded a 6-1, 6-3 victory against Albion's Daniel McGarry, 6-1, 6-3.

At No. 3 singles, sophomore Tyler Stafford of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grand Rapids Christian) downed Michael Polizzi, 6-1, 6-0.

At No. 4 singles, sophomore Paul Washington of Dearborn, Michigan (Dearborn) beat Drake Malcolm, 6-2, 6-3.

At No. 5 singles, sophomore Matt Henkel of Traverse City, Michigan (Central HS) earned a 6-0, 6-0 victory against Albion's Patrick Smoker.

At No. 6 singles, freshman Justin Fay of Naperville, Illinois (St. Francis) topped Albion's Matthew Czarnecki, 6-1, 7-5.

In doubles play, Hope's No. 1 pair of Burkett and Henkel and the No. 3 pair of Coates and sophomore Michael Hoffman of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa) each served up 8-1 victories.

At No. 2 singles, Washington and Stafford teamed for an 8-4 victory.

The match was played concurrently with the women's match against Albion. The Flying Dutch also won, 9-0.

"This is the fourth match I've coached with both the men and women played outside. It's always something special, especially in March," Cawood said. "What a better day to be with each other. That was a fun day."

Hope's next match is Tuesday, April 6 at home against Calvin University.