The Elon men’s tennis team accomplished the first part of its 2011 goal Thursday afternoon, earning at least a share of the Southern Conference crown with a 6-1 victory over the Appalachian State Mountaineers in Boone. The Phoenix (17-6, 9-1) handed the Mountaineers (14-6, 6-3) their first home loss of the season, winning the doubles point and getting singles victories from all four of its seniors in the win.
The title is Elon’s first since the Phoenix won the league crown outright in 2007. Elon will be the top seed in next week’s Southern Conference Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn. Elon has placed second in each of the past three SoCon tournaments.
“Getting this championship was rewarding after all the hard work these guys have put in this year,” said head coach Michael Leonard. “It was rewarding to see our seniors step up, especially having Cody (Stauffer-MacDowell) clinch this match. Now we have to stay hungry for the battles we will face at the SoCon Tournament next week.”