Augustana, Coe defeat Simpson in season opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Simpson men's tennis team began a new season and a new era with losses to Augustana (Ill.) and Coe Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

First-year head coach Bill Wright and the Storm drew a difficult hand to begin the 2010 season, facing two teams which finished the 2009 season ranked in the top-25 of the NCAA D-III Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) poll. Coe was No. 10 and Augustana came in at No. 22.

Augustana defeated Simpson 9-0 in the first match of the day and Coe also won by a 9-0 final.

At No. 2 singles, Adam Summitt (Urbandale, Iowa/Johnston) gave Simpson its best opportunity of the day. Summitt battled Coe's Victor Khristenko in the first set, losing a close 7-6 decision before Khristenko won the deciding set, 6-0.

Simpson has a week off before taking the court again, returning to action Feb. 13 when it travels to Pella for matches against Luther and Central. Simpson takes on Central at 9 a.m., followed by a noon start against Luther.