Frank Speziale Photo

NORWICH – The Norwich Purple Tornado opened the 2018 tennis season with a 5-2 win over Susquehanna Valley. The doubles play by Norwich was strong as they did not give up one set during the match, helping revenge the 6-1 loss suffered to the Sabers last season.

New year brings new combinations to the Tornado lineup but that didn’t phase Norwich as it seemed like the pairings had played together before.

Solid at both first and second doubles, the Purple dominated at both positions, giving up only 5 games total. “This is one of strongest doubles lineup we have had, top to bottom,” said Norwich head coach John Stewart. “We are off to a solid start to our season as this match shows how much improvement we have made this past off season.”

Bringing home the fourth and deciding point of the match was the young pair of Jahil Jones and Jonathan Ryan at third doubles as they took the match 6-1 and 6-4 over Sus Valley’s Dan Cullen and Eli Holicky. “Jonathan is an 8th grader and played well in his first varsity tennis match with Jahil. This win should be a nice boost to their confidence,” said Stewart.

Norwich’s singles lineup is the same as it was last year to start the season. Last year, the Purple were swept in singles, Joel Fazio and Matt Giglio each dominated play on Monday, giving up combined total of four games.

At first and second singles is where Norwich gave up the two points to the Sabers.