MEN'S TENNIS

NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University tennis team lost to GNAC rival Suffolk, 6-3, on Sunday afternoon at Shapiro Field House. The Cadets fall to 6-4 (1-3 GNAC) with the loss, while the Lions improve to 4-4 (2-2 GNAC).

Despite the loss, Norwich has qualified for the GNAC tournament. The Cadets, which will be seeded fourth in the event, are slated to take on top-seeded Johnson & Wales on Thursday, April 24. JWU defeated NU, 8-1, during the regular season.

Peter Hooper extended his unbeaten run in singles to 10 straight matches, coming from behind to defeat Alessandro Bellino, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Hooper is now 10-0 in singles play this season, competing exclusively at first singles.

"Peter lost his first set of the year against a very talented opponent," said Norwich head coach Kyle Dezotell. "Peter showed some grit and strong character to battle back and win the final two sets quite comfortably. Going undefeated in GNAC play is quite an accomplishment. He has been absolutely dominant all season long."

Hooper and Travis Tyler picked up an 8-2 win over Bellino and Matt McKinney at first doubles, and Chris Pashley defeated McKinney, 7-5, 6-0 at No. 3 singles to round out the list of winners on the day for the Cadets.

"We played well today against a very good Emerson team," added Dezotell. "Coach Keith Warner does a great job with that program and they are always at or near the top of the GNAC.

"We now head into the GNAC playoffs with the belief that we are playing our best tennis of the year."

Prior to its conference semifinal match versus Johnson & Wales, Norwich returns to action on Tuesday, April 22, when the Cadets close out their regular season at Lyndon State. First serve is slated for 3:30 p.m.

Emerson 6, Norwich 3

Singles

1. Peter Hooper (NU) def. Alessandro Bellino 2-6, 6-2, 6-1

2. Robby Gardner (EC) def. Matt Sanford 6-1, 6-4

3. Chris Pashley (NU) def. Matt McKinney 7-5, 6-0

4. Garrett Mercer (EC) def. Travis Tyler 6-1, 0-6, 6-1

5. Michael Mourie (EC) def. Garrett Washburn 6-3, 6-2

6. Aaron Colverson (EC) def. Katie Brammer 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

1. Hooper/Tyler (NU) def. Bellino/McKinney 8-2

2. Gardner/Mourie (EC) def. Pashley/Sanford 8-3

3. Lin/Mercer (EC) def. Washburn/Brammer 9-7