HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton men's tennis got its 2024 Empire 8 schedule off to a great start, thanks to a 6-3 win over Nazareth in the Kerr-Pegula Field House on Saturday.

This was a rematch of the past three E8 championships, so it proved to be a good barometer at the top of the E8 early in the season. 

The Highlanders got off to a strong start with dominating performances at first and second doubles. Tobias Webb and Jason Murphy pulled out a gritty match at third doubles, winning 8-6 to put the Highlanders in a commanding lead (up 3-0) going into singles play. Levi Webb and Nolan Zach clinched the match with straight set wins at second and third singles. 

The final win on the day came at first singles with Micah Schilke pulling out a tight two-set win. First year players, Jonas Likens and Jason Murphy put in strong performances at fifth and sixth singles. 

"I was proud of the guys today, but in particular was proud of our third doubles team. The way Tobias and Jason fought to stay in the match and pull out the win was huge in terms of the momentum going into singles play," said Head Coach Matthew Webb. "The top of our lineup is very experienced and again led the way today. Levi Webb and Nolan have been very strong at first doubles, and then for the two of them to clinch in straight sets showed great experience and leadership. Cook and Schilke dominated at second doubles – against a good doubles pair from Nazareth. The seniors continue to lead, and the new players are finding their way, and gaining great experience. This was a great start to E8 play."

Houghton will have a non-conference match on the road vs. Oneonta on Tuesday, April 9 before returning to E8 play for the remainder of the slate.