WASHINGTON (March 24, 2021) – After seeing the women's squad open their season, the Howard University men's tennis team gets their turn to open the 2021 campaign under new Director of Tennis
Nicholas Askew.
Entering his first season at the helm, Askew looks forward to the new year.
"I'm excited working with the student-athletes again," said Askew after seeing the 2020 spring season cut short due to COVID-19. "The student-athletes took a blow last year not being able to compete for a conference championship, so there was a lot of disappointment. This year, the team is hungry and eager to get back on the court."
FIRST TEST
Howard begins their 2021 campaign on the road at Mount St. Mary's (MSM) in Hanover, Pa. First serve is slated for 3 p.m.
SEASON OUTLOOK
The six-man team features three freshmen (
Justin Cadeau/West Orange, N.J.;
Gabe Knowles/Wind Gap, Pa.; and
Pierce Westbrook/New Orleans), a pair of sophomores (
Romani Mayers/Bridgetown, Barbados and
Phoenix Williams/Bloomsfield Hills, Mich.) and lone senior
Roger Lyn (Kingston, Jamaica).
In 2019, the Jamaica native was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) All-Conference Second Team.
"Roger has continued to train despite COVID-19," Askew stated. "He has shown extreme desire to come back and be ready to compete. This is his final year, so he has a thirst for success. It's going to be really exciting for him."
Academically, Lyn is a two-time MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team selection and a 2019 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Scholar Athlete.
MATCHUP PREVIEW
Thursday's showdown was originally scheduled for March 24 but was moved back one day due to inclement weather.
MOUNT ST. MARY'S
Mount St. Mary's rolls into Thursday with a 1-4 overall mark after losing to La Salle, 4-3, and Saint Joseph's, 6-1, to start the season. MSM's lone win came in league play against Saint Francis (Pa.), 4-3.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard is scheduled to play six regular season contests, including three versus conference foes, in preparation for the MEAC Championships (April 24-25) in Norfolk, Va.
On April 2, the Bison start league play versus Norfolk State. Match time is scheduled for 2 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
