The men’s tennis team has undergone some large transitions in the past year, including hiring new coach Chris O’Brien last February, and these changes appear to be paying off. On Friday, September 10, the Camels defeated College of the Holy Cross 5-2 in their season opener.
As the season began, some were anxious about the fall portion. According to Coach O’Brien, “With a few guys studying abroad this fall, and one playing soccer, many of the guys had to step up and contribute.”
Despite these concerns, this match proved to be much more encouraging for the Camels than last fall’s season opener, when they fell 3-6 to Manhattanville College.
One of the players that stepped up and contributed to the victory was co-captain Craig Stanton ’11, who defeated Holy Cross’ Chris Das 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 from the number 2 singles position. Teammates Colin Tasi ’12, Henry Friedman ’12 and Marshall Collins ’11 added singles wins, with doubles success again from Friedman and his doubles partner, Chris Hakusui ’13.
After losing at the end of their otherwise successful spring 2010 season to NESCAC opponent Colby College, the men came back this fall with a strong desire to compete and win. Both the men’s and women’s squads are returning their entire team and are hoping to gain some first year talent.
According to women’s team co-captain Caroline Barone ’11, “We do a lot more fitness now, which has gotten everyone in shape and ready for match play. Our speed and agility on the court has improved drastically.” This additional training has paid off thus far, and no doubt contributed to the men’s team victory.
Friday, September 17 was the women’s team’s first test of the 2010 season as they competed against Skidmore College (NY). The men’s team also played Skidmore.
This fall, each team will have one home match. The women’s team will play Mount Holyoke College on Wednesday, September 22 at 4:30 PM on the South Tennis Courts. Last year, the women defeated Mount Holyoke 7-2. The men will play the Coast Guard Academy on Tuesday, October 5 at 3:30 PM on the South Tennis Courts. In previous years, the men’s team has defeated our cross-32 rivals in match play.
