MOUNT VERNON - Cornell's men's tennis team made its 2023 debut Saturday, splitting two duals in the arena of the Small Athletic and Wellness Center. 
 

The Rams (2-1) claimed an 8-1 opening win over Wisconsin Lutheran, followed by a 9-0 setback to NAIA's Northwestern College.

 

Against Wisconsin-Lutheran (0-5), No. 1 doubles team of Federico Polidori and junior Alexander Hadler-Strumlauf won 8-6. A tie-breaker was needed at No. 2 doubles for freshman Zachary Ong and Chris Penas-Hull to prevail 8-7 (7-4).
 

The Rams swept all six singles matches against Wisconsin Lutheran. The matchup between sophomore Edwin Holyoake and Joshua Hennen saw it go into a third set, with Holyoake coming on top (5-7, 7-5, 12-10).

 

Northwestern handed the Rams their first dual defeat of the season. No. 3 freshmen doubles pair of Jackson Smock and August Krahn lost a close match 8-7 (7-4).

 

At No. 3 singles, Ong battled his opponent to three sets, falling 6-1, 0-6, 0-6.

 

Coming up - The Rams will be traveling to take on the Vikings of Bethany Lutheran College Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3:30 PM.