By Dave Hunter (dhunter)

VU tennis team improves record to 6-2.....

            Altamonte Springs, Fla., Mar. 5 – The Vincennes University tennis team extended its unbeaten Florida trip to five matches Wednesday afternoon, defeating NAIA Martin-Methodist, Tenn., 7-2.

            “They’re probably a top 20 team,” said Vincennes coach Ron Albers. “It was a energized, high intensity college tennis match.”

            The Trailblazers (6-2) have consistently gotten off to a good start in their doubles matches this season and Wednesday was no exception, taking a 2-1 lead over the RedHawks into the singles.

            Freshman David Jackson and freshman Chris King defeated Milivan Prada and Renato Castro, 8-2 at No. 1, while sophomores Jaime Esteban and Chuck Hodge topped Cliff Karara and Matthew Dyer, 8-1, at No. 3.

            “You get a one-point advantage by winning the doubles,” Albers said. “We’ve only lost the doubles point once this year. Since we’re a man short, we need to win the doubles point to start the match.”

            VU is playing without No. 1 singles and doubles player, freshman Justin Harlow, who will miss at least ten more days due to a shoulder injury.

            The Blazers captured the first three singles matches off the court to clinch the win.

            Freshman Jimmy Dunseith defeated Karara, 6-3, 6-1, at No. 5 singles to provide the decisive point, playing well in his native state.

            “It suits him better than indoors,” Albers said. “It’s been a great week to get more comfortable, being back in his home state and getting a chance to play outdoor tennis.”

            Jackson flipped positions with Esteban and played second singles, beating Thiago Dualiby, 6-2, 6-2, while Esteban lost at No. 1 to Prada, 4-6, 6-3, 1-0(3).

            “Both are quality players who can step up and win at either spot,” Albers said. “It’s tough playing No. 1 every time, especially when you’re playing six matches in six days. Everybody has a good player there.”

            Freshman Chris King topped Castro, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at three.while sophomore Binky Nikou continued his recovery from elbow surgery with a convincing, 6-2, 6-0, win over Juan Camillo-Suarez at fourth singles.

            “King played a huge second set after dominating the first set,” Albers said. “And, Nikou is getting closer and closer to where he needs to be.”

            Albers’ team is making its first Florida trip in order to better prepare for the next two months before beginning tournament play.

            “I think we’ll be a better outdoor team than indoors with the style of players we have,” he said.

            The Trailblazers take Thursday off before playing their final Florida match Friday against Michigan Tech.