Box Score The Houghton College Men's Tennis team opened up their Conference play with a solid 7-2 victory over rival Nazareth College. The key to the victory was a fast start out of the gate for the Highlanders. Houghton would jump out to a commanding 3-0 lead, sweeping the doubles points. Isaac Little and Jaimie Staerkle would grab first doubles 8-5, Levi Webb and Nolan Zach would prevail 8-3 in the second flight, and Micah Schilke and Matt Ciciero battled from behind early to win 8-5 at the third position. 

The Highlanders' would only need to grab two singles victories to clinch the match, but got four of the six in the process. Leading the way at first singles, Micah Schilke would leave no doubt with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 victory. At the fourth position, Senior Matt Cicero would once again clinch the match with a 6-1, 6-2 win. Following behind him, Levi Webb and Jaimie Staerkle would fight back from first set losses to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 and 5-7, 6-4,10-5 at second and third singles respectively. The lone two defeats of the afternoon would come at fifth and sixth singles, but not at the expense of some great effort and energy. Adam Brown would fall just barely 2-6, 6-2, 8-10 in the third set breaker at fifth, and Nolan Zach battled hard with a final score of 6-2, 2-6, 4-6 at the sixth spot. 

"An incredible start to conference play," Head Coach Shilvock said post match. "The men came prepared to battle today and earned this victory. Every single match was competitive, and I am happy with how hard our guys fought. This is a great start to conference play, but we have a long road ahead of us as we battle for a spot in the tournament!" 

The Highlanders' will enjoy this victory and get back into action against Allegheny College next Tuesday at 3:30pm at home.