Although they faced Stony Brook over Easter break, Head Coach Gordie Ernst made sure nothing distracted his team from focusing on the match.

“We look forward to matches against teams like Stony Brook,” Ernst said. “They are very much a team like Temple, Navy or Old Dominion. These are teams that are all close to us and matches that show how mentally tough we are.”

The Hoyas picked up the first point against the Seawolves with victories in each of the three doubles matches. The pairs of sophomore Casey Distaso and junior Charlie Caris and sophomore Andrew Dottino and freshman Alex Tropiano both won, 8-3, at No. 3 and No. 2 doubles, respectively. Seniors Andrew Bruhn and Brian Ward rounded out the doubles matches with their 8-4 win at No. 1.

But the match turned into a battle during singles play. While Ward notched a quick 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 4 singles, Caris and Dottino had closer fights in their respective singles matches. Caris won at No. 2 by a score of 7-5, 6-1, while Dottino picked up a 6-0, 7-5 win at No. 3.

Bruhn, Tropiano and Distaso each took their singles matches to three sets but all ultimately fell. Despite these defeats, Georgetown was able to clinch the match, 4-3.

“Stony Brook has beaten us in the past,” Ernst said. “It was great to come out and beat them.”

Putting that win in their back pocket, the Hoyas set their sights on Tuesday’s home match against St. Francis.

Although the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles matches went to 8-6 and 8-7, respectively, Georgetown walked away with a crushing 7-0 victory after sweeping the Red Flash in straight sets in singles.

“I liked the way we focused and took care of things,” Ernst said.

They’ll have to take care of things again this weekend when they finish out their season at home against Big East foes St. John’s and Villanova. The Red Storm in particular should be challenging for the Hoyas.

“This is the best team St. John’s has ever had,” Ernst said. “They have already beaten Princeton and Yale.”

Georgetown should be in better position against Villanova, whom the Hoyas defeated, 4-3, in last year’s match.

“It is always a close match against Villanova,” Ernst said. “With them, there is a little bit of pressure.”

The Hoyas hope to finish the weekend with two victories and round out the season undefeated at home. Ernst is also hoping to see his upperclassmen shine in their final home matches.

“It is the last hoorah for Bruhn as a captain and a senior,” Ernst said. “He has played in every match as a Hoya. That’s pretty impressive. He is due for a big win.”

Georgetown’s pair of Big East matches will begin Friday against St. John’s at noon and continue Saturday against Villanova at the same time. Both will be held at home at the McDonough Outdoor Tennis Complex.

“This is the weekend we have talked about since September,” Ernst said. “We are expecting everyone to step up.”