TENNIS Georgetown Off to Shaky Start in Dual Match Season By Tom Kenny Hoya Staff Writer

The Georgetown men’s and women’s tennis teams opened their 2002 two dual match seasons in less than perfect fashion this past weekend. The men’s squad split a pair of matches, defeating Mary Washington 6-1 and losing to the Naval Academy 6-1. Their dual match record for the season now stands at 1-1. The women dropped both matches, losing to George Washington 5-2 and Maryland 7-0. Their dual match record is now 0-2.

Against Mary Washington last Friday at the Montclair Tennis Club in Dumfries, Va., the Hoya men picked up their first point from strong doubles play.

The Hoyas then won five of six singles matches to complete the victory.

Against the Naval Academy Saturday at Big Vanilla Racquet Club in Severna Park, Md., the Hoyas were not able to win the close matches as they had a day earlier. They dropped two close eight game pro-sets in doubles play and fell behind early. The Hoyas then lost five of six singles matches.

After a successful fall season, the women’s squad struggled in its opening matches of the 2002 campaign.

Georgetown began the match by winning the doubles point, taking two of three matches.

The Hoyas were not able to continue the momentum in singles play. The Colonials were victorious in five of six matches.

Maryland won all nine matches and did not drop a single set.

Both squads continue their dual match seasons next weekend. The men face a tough test against Virginia Tech next Sunday at the Virginia Tech Indoor Tennis Center. The Hokies finished third in the Big East in 2001. The women’s team looks to pick up its first victory of the season against James Madison Sunday in Dumfries, Va.