The Dominican University men's tennis team opened up the 2019 season on Friday evening, topping the Grace Christian University Tigers by a score of 8-1. The win comes in the first of four non-conference matchups to open the season for the Stars before opening Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) play on Saturday, March 30.
 
"This is a very strong start to the year," said Troy Tonsil, the Stars' head men's tennis coach in his third season. "I was really impressed by our effort today. The emphasis this year will be to grind for each point—and we did just that, from doubles play to singles play. I really liked how both the returners and newcomers played well and gelled together. I'm looking forward to what's in store moving forward.  This is a very encouraging beginning."
 
At the top of Dominican's lineup, junior Alexander Tobias was impressive in his Dominican debut.  Tobias topped Grace Christian's Lake Serba at number one singles, 6-0, 6-1, and teamed with Antonio Morales at number one doubles for an 8-1 win over the Tigers' top doubles team.  Freshman Brandon Pineda, making his debut for the Stars, picked up his first collegiate victory, topping Adam Green at number three singles, 6-1, 6-2, after teaming with Joshua Sapnu at number two doubles for an 8-4 win.
 
Dominican's Eric Sigaran and Samuel Pardinas teamed up for an 8-3 win at number three doubles before both picked up singles wins at the fifth and sixth singles flights respectively.
 
The Stars will travel to nearby Elmhurst on Wednesday to take on the Elmhurst College Bluejays.