The Georgetown men’s tennis team bounced back this past Tuesday in a cross-town rivalry against Howard University after a difficult weekend in which the Hoyas dropped matches against Richmond and Longwood. Over the weekend, the Richmond Spiders narrowly edged out the Hoyas in a 4-3 victory on Saturday, and the Longwood Lancers won 5-2 on Sunday. Both matches were incredibly close, decided by a few crucial points.
Against Howard, the Hoyas made sure that it did not come down to a few points as they powered through a 1-16 Howard team. Georgetown beat the Howard Bison six to one at the McDonough Tennis Complex.
“It definitely was a lot closer than the score,” Georgetown Coach Brook Deming said. “We need to concentrate a little harder on the big points and get it done.”
Sophomore Theodore Tywang, inspired by the D.C. rivalry, lifted the Hoyas with his victories in both singles and doubles. In singles, Tywang wore down Howard’s Faran Carter with his relentless play. After winning the first set 7-5, he dominated the second set 6-2.
“Anytime we beat someone in this area it’s a big win,” Tywang said. “It’s for bragging rights in D.C.”
Georgetown’s Etienne Paris, Tywang’s double partner, was not as fortunate as he dropped his singles match to Kenneth Brown, Howard’s number one. Brown played sharp and confident as he defeated Paris in what proved to be an intense bout. Since players make their own calls in college matches, there were several debatable decisions on crucial points.
“He had a tough slice, and my serve wasn’t very effective on him, but it was a close match,” Paris said. “There were a lot of close calls; we had to get a ref.”
Paris was not the only Hoya to feel the heat sparked by the rivalry. Junior Kevin Killeavy disagreed with Howard’s Neilaba Avasthi about several calls, and at one point, they stopped play to argue. Throughout the competition, several matches required referees in order to ensure fair play. On the day, the Hoyas earned their fifth victory of the season as they improved to five and nine overall.
“Hopefully it will give us enough energy to come out strong against Marquette,” Coach Deming said in response to the victory. The Hoyas face Marquette, a Big East opponent, tomorrow at the McDonough Tennis Complex. Play begins at 3 p.m.
