NAPERVILLE, Illinois – Sophomore Curt Norton posted a win for the MSOE men's tennis team as it opened its 2018 season with an 8-1 loss at the hands of North Central Saturday evening at the NCC Tennis Courts.

It was the first day of spring competition for both the Raiders (0-1) and the Cardinals (1-2), which played a pair of fall matches and took on Judson earlier in the day.

Norton was a straight-sets winner at No. 2 singles, scoring a 6-3, 6-3 victory. It was a strong debut for the second-year player, as he went 2-1 last season and did not play above No. 6 singles.

MSOE also had a hard-fought match at No. 1 doubles, were seniors Ryan Runke and Brad Phoenix team in a narrow 8-6 loss.

Despite the result, it was a strong showing for a lineup which featured just one returning regular from last season.

The Raiders return to the court Sunday, hosting Lawrence at Elite Club River Glen.