April 20, 2015-For the first time since the MIAA went to a dual match format in 2003 the Emporia State men's and women's tennis teams both won conference matches on the same day. The Hornet men defeated Lindenwood 5-4 and the women blanked the Lions 9-0.
The men shuffled their lineup in doubles and it paid off as they swept the first three matches. Andrew Davids and Gerrard Pont won 8-5 at #1, followed by wins at #2 by Keenan Smith and Patrick Cameron and Payton Hays and Collin Connor at #3 both by 8-6 scores.
Emporia State was up 4-1 following a 6-0, 6-2 loss by Pont at #3 and then a 6-3, 6-2 win by Smith at #1 singles. Lindenwood then took the #2, #5 and #4 singles matches to tie the dual at 4-4. Payton Hays clinched the win for the Hornets with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win at #6 singles.
The Emporia State women had little trouble with the Lions winning all three doubles matches 8-2. They also swept the singles play with only one match going to a third set.
The Hornets will wrap up the home schedule on Tuesday evening against Northwest Missouri. It will be the final regular season match for the men, while the women still have a match against Central Oklahoma scheduled for Thursday, April 23 in Springfield, Mo. prior to the MIAA Tournament.
