Wins By Larson And Homuth Not Enough In Opener

DULUTH, Minn. (2/04/12)--Concordia lost all three doubles matches and could never recover as they lost to St. Scholastica 7-2 in the 2012 season opener on Saturday in Duluth. Devin Larson and Bryn Homuth recorded the singles wins for the Cobbers.

All three doubles matches were close to start the overall team bout and could have gone either way . That is good news for the Cobbers who have three completely new doubles tandems this season. The closest battle came at No.2 doubles where seniors Kevin Schwandt and Chad Smith lost 8-6. "Chad is happy with the way we played today," commented Smith. "We had a chance to win the match but lost some key points that could have turned the match. Chad will improve and looks forward to the match next week."

Both Larson and Homuth claimed singles wins after winning the first set in a tie-breaker. Larson won 7-6 (4), 6-2 at No.2 singles which is a step up from his position at No.4 singles last season. Homuth, making his debut in the starting lineup, earned a 7-6 (1), 6-4 win at No. 4 singles. He played in five non-conference matches last season.

The closest match of the afternoon came at No.5 singles where Cobber senior Will Granrud lost in the super-set tie-breaker. Granrud lost the opening set 6-2 but then roared back to claim the second set 6-3. He then fell 10-8 in the tie-breaker.

Smith, despite losing 6-4, 6-0 at No.3 singles, was optimistic about the season. "Chad just lost concentration in that second set, "Smith remarked. "For the first match of the season, Chad is looking forward to the rest of the year. Chad was hitting his ground strokes well and feels really good for the opening weekend of the season."

Concordia will open play in the MIAC next weekend when they host St. Olaf on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. at Courts Plus in Fargo.