In a fiercely contested annual Star Match, the Navy men's tennis team emerged victorious with a decisive 4-0 win against Army at the Lichtenberg Tennis Center. The match was part of the prestigious Army-Navy Star Series presented by USAA. With this victory, Navy extended its winning streak to 11 consecutive matches and claimed nine straight Star Matches.

The Mids secured an early lead by dominating in doubles play, particularly through Luke Garner and Jake Young’s standout performance. In singles action, key victories by Garner, Young, and J.J. Etterbeek sealed the deal for Navy. Both teams now prepare for the upcoming Patriot League Tournament.

Unyielding Performance in Doubles

The doubles segment set the tone for the match, with Navy taking control from the outset. Garner and Young delivered a crucial 7-5 triumph at No. 1 doubles, overcoming a challenging rally by Army. Meanwhile, Aniketh Ayinala and Jason Kim clinched a solid 6-3 win at No. 3 doubles, further bolstering Navy's momentum.

The doubles competition showcased the exceptional teamwork and resilience of the Navy players. At No. 1 doubles, Garner and Young demonstrated remarkable composure as they navigated through a series of close games, ultimately breaking Army's serve to secure the pivotal point. Their strategic play and consistent pressure were instrumental in giving Navy the early advantage. Despite a closely contested match at No. 2 doubles, where play was halted at 6-6, the overall doubles performance underscored Navy's dominance.

Decisive Singles Victories Seal the Win

In singles action, Navy capitalized on their doubles momentum with decisive performances from key players. Luke Garner, Jake Young, and J.J. Etterbeek each delivered impressive straight-set victories, ensuring Navy's comprehensive triumph over Army. These wins highlighted the depth and versatility of Navy's lineup.

Garner's commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 3 singles set the stage for further successes. Young followed suit with a gritty 6-3, 7-5 win at No. 4 singles, maintaining Navy's relentless pace. Etterbeek's swift 6-3, 6-3 triumph at No. 5 singles effectively ended the match. Other matches, though unfinished due to the conclusive score, featured notable comebacks by Nathan Nguyen and Aniketh Ayinala, reflecting Navy's tenacity even in incomplete encounters. Coach Chris Garner praised the players' focus and execution, attributing the win to their collective efforts and adaptability under pressure.