Freshman Jonah Cooper continues strong start to college career
On Thursday, March 17, the Waynesburg University men’s tennis team hosted Muskingum University. The Jackets downed the Muskies 6-3 to pick up their first win of the season.
Timothy Harris started the scoring for Waynesburg, as he blanked his opponent 6-0, 6-0 at number-one singles. Harris and partner freshman Joshua Denham teamed up at the number-one doubles spot and shutout their opponent 8-0.
Freshman Jonah Cooper continued his strong spring by posting a 6-0, 6-3 win at number two doubles. Cooper then teamed up with Adam McKnight for an 8-1 win at second doubles.
“Jonah is 7-0 at number two singles and 6-0 at number two doubles with McKnight,” said Waynesburg head coach Ron Christman. “Not a whole lot of freshman start their college career like that.”
McKnight added a pair of 6-1 decisions at number four singles to complete a 2-0 record for the day.
Denham also had a 2-0 by winning at number three singles by 6-0 and 6-1 scores.
Muskingum’s Nicolas Montero defeated Brad Gillespie at number five singles by 6-0 and 6-4 scores. Though Gillespie’s performance was better than the first set score would say.
“Brad stood up the second set,” said Christman. “He had a chance at taking it to a third set, but Montero got a break and won it.”
The Muskies received two forfeit wins at number six singles and number three doubles, but Waynesburg held to take the match 6-3. The win gives Waynesburg a 1-6 record. Muskingum fell to 0-2.
Waynesburg’s match against Baldwin Wallace scheduled for Saturday, March 19 was postponed due to inclement weather.
The next match of the season starts Presidents’ Athletic conference play for the team with a match up with St. Vincent College. The Jackets defeated the Bearcats 7-2 last year.
“Last year we shocked them and had them on their heels the whole match,” said Christman. “The older players from St. Vincent know what it felt like to lose that match and are coming to get revenge. This is a good Rivalry match for us.”
To defeat the Bearcats Christman will look for his top players to get the job done.
“We have the ability to take six points from just our top four players,” said Christman. “If one, or two of our players falter, we could falter.
The match looks to be competitive as St. Vincent enters the match 2-0 in conference with wins over Grove City and Geneva. The Bearcats are also armed with a couple new top players of their own in Freshmen Johnathan Pritchard and Ryan Hartz.
“St. Vincent brought in a couple of good freshman at number-one and number-two singles,” said Christman. “I saw Pritchard play in the high school and junior tournaments and he’s strong and has had a good start to college career.”
The match takes place at the Greensburg Racquet club in Greensburg, Pennsylvania Tuesday, March 22 with a 12:30 p.m. start time.