Hoesman, Bescoby Earn Victories in Spring Opener

CHESTERTOWN, Md. — For the second straight season, Goucher opened up the spring portion of its schedule at Washington (Md.) this afternoon. The Gophers improved upon last year's 9-0 blanking to the Shoremen but ultimately suffered a 7-2 defeat at the Johnson Fitness Center.

Goucher (1-3) was unable to dig out of a 3-0 hole after the doubles matches. Washington, which dropped just four games in those opening contests, picked up a victory in its first dual match of the year.

Seth Hoesman (Ellicott City, Md./Howard) grabbed the Gophers' first victory of the afternoon at No. 1 singles, picking up a 6-4, 6-0 win over Vishnu Rajes. Hoesman, who is undefeated in his four dual singles matches this year, avenged a 6-7 (5-7) 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Rajes when the pair faced off last season.

The Shoremen clinched the match with straight-set triumphs at No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 singles. John Bescoby (San Marino, Calif./Maranatha) registered Goucher's other point, rallying for a tight 0-6, 7-6, 1-0 (11-9) victory over Emanuel Keiler from the No. 6 spot.

The Gophers remain on the road for their next match, a 3 p.m. tilt against Salisbury next Friday. The Sea Gulls came away with a 9-0 win when the two teams met last March.