MEN'S TENNIS

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team opened its 2008 season with a 5-4 victory over visiting Castleton State Wednesday afternoon at Shapiro Field House.  

Peter Hooper was very impressive in his Norwich debut, defeating Dan Hodgetts, 6-1, 6-1, at No. 1 singles. Hooper will be a player to watch when the Cadets begin GNAC matches later in the season. Matt Sanford was also dominant today as the sophomore earned a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Jesse Maranda at No. 2 singles.

Chris Pashley was the most important performer for Norwich today as he battled back to win a three set match at No. 3 singles, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Pashley later teamed with Travis Tyler to take a 8-6 win at No. 2 doubles.

Hooper and Sanford accounted for NU's fifth win, taking an easy 8-0 win at No. 1 doubles.

"It was a good way to start the season," said Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell. "Castleton has drastically improved its depth since last year, and the Spartans gave us a competitive match today. I would guess that any of their players could beat one another on any given day. Hooper is the best talent we have had at NU in a long time, and it was fun to finally see him in match action. Sanford was really smooth and consistent. Chris Pashley was instrumental today, as he really came through when we needed him after struggling early in his singles match. It was certainly his best performance as a Cadet in his two year career thus far."

Norwich returns to action on Monday, March 24, when the Cadets host Johnson State at Shapiro Field House. First serve is slated for 3 p.m.

Norwich 5, Castleton 4

Singles

1-Peter Hooper, NU vs. Dan Hodgetts, CSC: Hooper(NU) W 6-1, 6-1

2-Matt Sanford, NU vs. Jesse Maranda, CSC: Sanford(NU) W 6-3, 6-0

3-Chris Pashley, NU vs. Ted Panasci, CSC: Pashley(NU) W 3-6, 6-3, 6-4

4-Travis Tyler, NU vs. Justin Garritt, CSC: Garritt(CSC) W 2-6, 3-6

5-Garrett Washburn, NU vs. Jeremy Henderson, CSC: Henderson(CSC) W 3-6, 2-6

6-Katie Brammer, NU vs. Jamie Cook, CSC: Cook(CSC) W 0-6, 2-6

Doubles

1-Hooper/Sanford, NU vs. Maranda/Henderson, CSC: NU W 8-0

2-Pashley/Tyler, NU vs. Panasci/Kolnaski, CSC: NU W 8-6

3-Washburn/Brammer, NU vs. Cook/Piliero, CSC: CSC W 5-8