In their first match of the season, the Baldwin Wallace University men’s tennis team swept cross-state rivals Penn St. Behrend (Pa.) in a 9-0 victory on the road.

Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Player of the year Dominic Polifrone and two-time academic All-OAC selection Matt
Harris got off to a good start by winning 8-2 in the first doubles match.

The Yellow Jacket’s doubles victories continued with an 8-1 victory from the pairing of Jake Elbin and Academic All- OAC selection Roger Boyer.

Lastly, an 8-2 victory from freshman Eddie Schartman and sophomore Michael Benotti closed out doubles competition for the Jackets.

BW swept again in singles matchups, with Polifrone leading off with two victories (6-0 and 6-3). Additional singles
wins came from Elbin, Benotti, Boyer, and freshman Mike Collins.

“I think the team played well overall in both single and doubles and was most encouraged by our doubles chemistry, as this was the first competitive match for our new second and third doubles combinations” said head coach Brian Rector. “We passed our first season test with solid singles play. Our two starting freshman adjusted well to the college game and format.”

Rector said he looks forward to another strong season with a good blend of upperclassmen and first-year student-athletes.

“We have a very busy, competitive fall schedule that should prepare us for the challenging conference matches in the spring,” he said. “We also have an intelligent group of experienced captains again this year that will prove valuable as the season progresses. Bringing the freshman up to speed quickly is a must.”

The Jackets will be back in action as they compete in the Oberlin Invitational Sept. 15-16.