Temperature becomes a factor. The rain, the shine, the whole gamut. There is no longer a roof separating the courts and the players from the elements or stagnant air keeping the ball from spinning off at skewed angles.

But it was no problem for the Georgia men’s tennis team as it blanked Georgia State 7-0 in its first outdoor match of the season. Despite slight changes in the line-up, the Bulldogs won the doubles point on their way to claiming victory in their first outdoor match.

Jamie Hunt, who usually fills the No. 2 spot, was bumped up to No. 1, flip-flopping with an under-the-weather Nate Schnugg. Though playing out of their typical spots, the duo not only won their doubles match 8-2, they also put away their singles opponents.

“It felt good. I played one match at No. 1 last year and won, and won today, so it feels good,” Hunt said.

Head coach Manuel Diaz called Hunt’s performance at the No. 1 spot “sharp,” and said getting adjusted to playing outdoor matches is a “two, three, four day process.”

“We start getting a little bit better with intensity at practice,” Diaz said. “The quality of play starts going up, but I thought it was pretty positive today.”

The Bulldogs did not give up more than three games in any one set and also had a very contrasting order of finish. Christian Vitulli wrapped up his match first at No. 6, defeating William Adeimy by a score of 6-1, 6-2.

While Vitulli quickly scurried off the court, Drake Bernstein had a bit of a longer stint on court 5, being the last Bulldog to finish.

“It was a little deceiving because my guy played a lot slower than everybody else’s did. He took a lot of time between points, but there’s nothing I can do,” Bernstein said. “If I’m the last out there, I’m the last out there. As long as I win, that’s the important thing.”

And Bernstein did just that by putting away Orlando Battaglia 6-3, 6-3.

The Bulldogs’ main focus now becomes its pestilent, in-state rivals.

“This is what we wanted to do because we’re gearing up for Georgia Tech,” Hunt said. “We wanted to come out here with a strong showing.”