ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Rhodes College barely escaped with a victory today, clinching the match just before the rain hit and made the court conditions unplayable.
 
As has been customary, Rhodes jumped out to a strong start in doubles, sweeping all three courts in decisive fashion. Brilliant and Sowden on line two came out slower than normal, but were able to regroup, rattling off eight straight games once they hit their stride.
 
With dark clouds looming overhead, the singles matches were put on court as soon as space and players were made available. Daniel Olivier was the first to come off as he locked in yet another double-bagel at line six. Soon to follow was sophomore Graham Sowden, making quick work of his opponent, 6-0, 6-2 even after his doubles match with partner Greyson Brilliant was the last to finish.
 
With the match clinched and the court conditions becoming increasingly dangerous, there was no immediate need to continue playing to completion, but senior Colin Perry won his final point just under the wire to earn the Lynx a bonus point before remaining courts were pulled from play.
 
The Lynx are back in action later today in Pensacola, Florida on the campus of University of West Florida. There they will meet Division II University of Indianapolis at 3 p.m.
 
Rhodes College 6, Spring Hill College 0
March 11, 2014
Foley, AL
Foley Tennis Center
 
Singles Competition
 
Eliot Blatt (RC) v. S. Aries (SHC) 6-2, 0-1 unfinished Albert Vacheron (RC) v. D. Piper (SHC) 6-2, 4-1 (40-15) unfinished Colin Perry (RC) def. J. P. Espinosa (SHC) 6-0, 6-0 Graham Sowden (RC) def. J. Asmare (SHC) 6-2, 6-0 Trevor Lew (RC) v. S. Edmunson (SHC) 6-2, 3-2 (30-40) unfinished Daniel Olivier (RC) def. L. Levitt (SHC) 6-0, 6-0
 
Doubles Competition
 
Blatt/Perry (RC) def. Espinosa/Aries (SHC) 8-1 Sowden/Brilliant (RC) def. Asmare/Piper (SHC) 8-2 Vacheron/Olivier (RC) def. Edmunson/Levitt (SHC) 8-1
 
Match Notes
 
Rhodes College 5-4; #13 Regional Ranking Spring Hill College 2-4 Order of Finish: Doubles (3, 1, 2) Singles (6, 4, 3)