February 19, 2006
Monarchs sweep North Carolina Central, Hampden-Sydney in men’s tennis
Methodist improves to 3-2 overall with first two home victories of the season

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Despite some near-frigid temperatures, the Methodist Monarch men’s tennis team opened the home portion of the 2006 season on Sunday a sweep over both North Carolina Central and Hampden-Sydney. The Monarchs defeated North Carolina Central 8-1 and Hampden-Sydney 7-1 at Monarch Courts. The sweep improved the Monarchs to 3-2 overall on the season.

Methodist won five of the six singles matches against North Carolina Central. Michael Layton (No. 1) and Greg Morgan (No. 4) both won in three sets, while Matt Siegel (No. 2), Addison Staples (No. 5) and Andrew Martin (No. 6) each won in straight sets. In addition, the Monarchs also swept the three doubles matches.

Methodist swept all six singles matches against Hampden-Sydney, and all were in straight sets. In doubles, the Methodist team of Keith Criscoe and Chris Fletcher, ranked third in the Division III South Atlantic Region, won at No. 1 doubles.

Methodist opens USA South Athletic Conference play on Wednesday at 3 p.m. against North Carolina Wesleyan at Monarch Courts.

Methodist 8, North Carolina Central 1
Singles:
1. Michael Layton (M) d. Jonathan Carter 6-3, 2-6, 10-8
2. Matt Siegel (M) d. John Stephenson 6-3, 6-0
3. Ashley Stout (NCC) d. Blaine Sumpter 6-4, 6-3
4. Greg Morgan (M) d. Benjamin Vo 6-2, 4-6, 10-6
5. Addison Staples (M) d. Joshua Collins 6-1, 6-2
6. Andrew Martin (M) d. Joseph Estevez 6-1, 6-1
Doubles:
1. Layton/Siegel (M) d. Stout/Stephenson 8-2
2. Sumpter/Staples (M) d. Carter/Collins 9-7
3. Morgan/Martin (M) d. Vo/Estevez 8-2

Methodist 7, Hampden-Sydney 1
Singles:
1. Keith Criscoe (M) d. Patrick Gee 6-1, 6-1
2. Chris Fletcher (M) d. Justin Paciocco 6-0, 6-2
3. Michael Layton (M) d. Bruce Myer 6-2, 6-3
4. Sam Miller (M) d. John Cronly 6-2, 6-0
5. Matt Siegel (M) d. Shiv Sharma 6-1, 6-1
6. Andrew Martin (M) d. Stephen Johnson 6-3, 6-4
Doubles:
1. Criscoe/Fletcher (M) d. Gee/Paciocco 8-1
3. Johnson/Sharma (HS) d. Martin/Greg Morgan 8-3