Jackets jump to 5-2 in 2014 with win over Lakers

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – It took the DC men's tennis squad till April 5 last season to reach five wins, but the Purple and Gold have found a groove in 2014, as it won its third match at Hilton Head with a 7-2 victory over the Roosevelt Lakers on Wednesday, March 12.

To begin Defiance's (5-2) fourth contest in four days, the Lakers (0-5) took the early advantage by winning first doubles 8-4. However, the Yellow Jackets recovered to grab second and third doubles to go into singles action up 2-1.

Cord Speelman (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) and Justin Walker (Oak Harbor, Ohio / Hunt) notched a big 8-2 win in second pairs and then in third doubles, freshmen James Demeo (Oregon, Ohio / Clay) and Tory Savage (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) upped their record to 6-1 with an 8-3 win.

In singles competition DC took five of the six individual matches in relatively easy fashion.

Mike Ross (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) recorded his second victory in singles play with a 6-2, 6-4 performance.

Then, Ryan Nelson (Oregon, Ohio / Clay) and Demeo each racked up their sixth individual victory of the 2014 campaign. Each allowed under three sets to their opponent in their matches. Nelson took third singles 6-2, 6-0, while Demeo won fourth singles 6-0, 6-3.

Walker and Tyler Thiel (Bryan, Ohio / Bryan) then finished the strong day for the Purple and Gold by winning fifth and sixth singles, respectively. Walker won his match 6-3, 7-5, while Thiel recorded a 6-4, 6-4 win.

Defiance will return to the courts tomorrow Thursday, March 13 for its final match of the spring break trip. The Yellow Jackets will battle Ohio Wesleyan at 2:30 p.m.