ELON, N.C. -- Seniors
Kevin Beard and
Damon Gooch helped power the 61st-ranked Elon Phoenix men's tennis squad past The Citadel Bulldogs 7-0 in the regular season finale for both teams from the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center Saturday afternoon. Prior to the match, both Phoenix seniors were honored on the court. Elon concluded the regular season with a 19-5 overall mark and a 9-1 SoCon record. The Citadel is 8-14, 1-9.
"It was a wonderful end to the regular season, especially for Kevin and Damon," stated Elon coach Michael Leonard. "Getting wins in their Senior Day matches will be something that will stay with them."
The Phoenix rolled through doubles play, sweeping all three matches in less than an hour. Gooch and
Philip Nemec, the 34th-ranked team in the nation, grabbed an 8-1 win over Yufo Sutantio at number one in just 29 minutes.
Elon continued to cruise in singles play. Beard won the first singles point of the day after defeating Cook 6-1, 6-0 at number six in 44 minutes. After Rojas made quick work of Dicky at number five 6-0, 6-0, Podlewski clinched the match for the Phoenix. Playing at number two, Podlewski defeated Kociecki 6-3, 6-2.
Helpingstine followed by picking up a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Martin King at number four. Nemec claimed a 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 win over Diaz at number three before Gooch, ranked 76th in the country, won 6-3, 6-2 over Sutantio at number one.
Elon and The Citadel will now both head into play at the 2009 Southern Conference Tournament which will be hosted by the Phoenix. The Elon men will play on Friday afternoon at the Burlington Tennis Center. Check back to www.elonphoenix.com for a full release on the bracket.
-- ELON --
