EDWARDVILLE – The Wilkes University men's tennis team opened its spring campaign with an 8-1 victory over cross-town rival King's College Saturday afternoon at Kirby Park courts.
 
Wilkes raced out to a 2-1 lead after doubles play before sweeping all six singles flights including five in straight sets.
 
Cole Gibson (Pinecrest, FL/Miami Palmetto Senior) began his Colonels career at the No. 1 spot with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Rookie John Toussaint (Dallas, PA/Dallas Senior) followed with a 5-7, 6-2, 1-0 (10-2) victory at No. 2. Jack Maline (Colorado Springs, CO/Northport), Matt Angara (Stewartsville, NJ/Phillipsburg), Colin Greenman (Glen Gardner, NJ/Voorhees) and Jacob Bosler (Elkton, MD/Elkton) rounded out the Wilkes winners in singles competition.
 
Wilkes returns to the courts next Saturday with a match at Messiah College at 1:00 p.m. in Grantham, Pa.