Jan. 28, 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The Navy tennis team used 11 players to cruise to a home-opening 7-0 win over Mount St. Mary's on Saturday at the Severn Valley Racquet Club. Navy won all four singles matches in straight sets, then won the three doubles matches to gain the doubles point. With the victory, Navy improves to 2-1 overall.

"All in all, it was a good day for us," said Navy head coach John Officer. "It wasn't a real strong test, but it was good to change up our lineup and get some guys some experience. We played well and set the tone early."

Freshman Jason Hill (Marietta, Ga.) played No. 1 singles for the Mids, earning a 6-4, 6-2, victory over Bobby Cozzillio. It was Hill's first action at No. 1 singles as Officer elected to rest Nate Nelms (St. Mary's, Ga.) for the match.

"I thought Jason played pretty well today," said Officer. "He handled the pressure of being No. 1, and came through for us."

Also victorious in singles play was Adrian Lai (Tucson, Ariz.) at No. 2 singles with a 6-0, 6-1, victory over Favio Osorio. At No. 3 singles, Brandon Carter (West Chester, Pa.) decisioned Jeff Lamberton, 6-1, 6-2. In the final three singles matches, Johnny Waters (Omaha, Neb.), Stanley Kahl (Richland, Pa.) and Matt Walton (Elon, N.C.) won in straight sets by a combined score of 36-1.

In doubles action, Luke Albi (Cincinnati, Ohio) and John Hayashi (San Mateo, Calif.) won at No. 3 doubles by an 8-0 margin. At No. 2 doubles, Kyle Jones (Canton, Ohio) and Alex James (Visalia, Calif.) clinched the doubles point for Navy with an 8-4 victory, and Nelms and Carter clinched the doubles sweep with an 8-6 victory at No. 1 doubles.

"We'll have a good test next weekend when George Washington and Villanova come to Annapolis," said Officer. "We hope to have a good week of practice and continue to improve next weekend."

Navy will host the Colonials and Wildcats next weekend, beginning at 12:00 p.m., at the Severn Valley Racquet Club.

SINGLES
No. 1 -- Jason Hill (N) def. Bobby Cozzillio, 6-4, 6-2
No. 2 -- Adrian Lai (N) def. Favio Osorio, 6-0, 6-1
No. 3 -- Brandon Carter (N) def. Jeff Lamberton, 6-1, 6-2
No. 4 -- Johnny Waters (N) def. Paul Stuart, 6-0, 6-1
No. 5 -- Stanley Kahl (N) def. Rob Dupaya, 6-0, 6-0
No. 6 -- Matt Walton (N) def. Sam Walton, 6-0, 6-0
DOUBLES
No. 1 -- Nate Nelms / Carter (N) def. Lamberton / Cozzillio, 8-6
No. 2 -- Kyle Jones / Alex James (N) def. Stuart / Osorio, 8-4
No. 3 -- Luke Albi / John Hayashi (N) def. Dupaya / Walton, 8-0

# GO NAVY #