The men’s tennis team (6-0) remains undefeated after shutting out No. 64 Penn 7-0 Sunday at the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Complex. The Wolfpack, ranked No. 38 in the nation, considered the match one of the more important matches of the season, according to junior Nick Cavaday.
“We kind of marked this match as one we thought was going to be a tough match against them,” Cavaday said. “They’re a tough team, but we just came out and [won]. When we do that we’re capable of beating anyone really.”
According to coach Jon Choboy, the doubles matches set the tone for Sunday’s success. All three doubles teams won their respective matches, with juniors Nick Cavaday and Ben Zink shutting out Penn’s Mikhail Bekker and Joe Lok 8-0 in the effort.
Cavaday said the doubles matches allowed the Pack to experience early dominance over Penn.
“We came out in doubles and pretty much dismantled them,” Cavaday said. “If we can keep doing that as team we’re going to be in good shape.”
Choboy agreed his doubles lineups seemed to be the best fit, as each duo seemed confident and as a result they were successful.
“Doubles was a nice start for us because we came out really aggressive,” Choboy said. “We played pretty sharp all the way around, so I’m pleased with that. We’ve carried it over into singles, and I’m pretty pleased so far.”
Each singles competitor walked away from the match with a win, and Choboy said he was particularly impressed with the play of senior William Noblitt to set the tone for the other singles performers.
Another notable victory was that of freshman James McGee, who returned from injury for Sunday’s match and topped Bekker 6-3, 6-1. McGee said it was refreshing to come off of his injury with a win.
“It feels great,” McGee said. “I was injured for five weeks, and this is my first match back, so I was a bit rusty, but I’m back in business now, and I’m ready for matches.”
McGee said he was slightly surprised that the match was so lopsided, as Penn is a very capable and competitive team.
“They are a great team, but we’re just better,” McGee said. “We’re all just looking to ride the wave and keep it going.”
