"I think we're all pretty pleased with the results so far," said Dave Wellner '02. "We hoped to finish as one of the top teams in the NESCAC, and with only two losses so far this season, I think that goal is still very realistic."
The Jeffs kicked off their conference opener with a 4-1 win against visiting Tufts. Due to stormy weather, the match was forced inside and was only played out to decision.
Although Bryan Wexler '02 fell at number one singles to David Ruttenberg, Adam Leibsohn '03, Andy Tsai '03 and Rob Feeley '03 all posted wins for the Jeffs to give them the 3-1 advantage. Wellner closed out the match with an intense three setter in the number four position, defeating Danny Lang 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1.
"It was exciting to see everyone play so well despite being indoors," commented Feeley. "It's very difficult to switch surfaces, and I think our team's quick adjustment to the courts was a deciding factor."
The following Wednesday, the Jeffs hosted Trinity. Boasting a line-up of several strong foreign players, the Bantams went into the match undefeated in NESCAC play. Despite impressive wins at number three and six singles by Leibsohn and Feeley and number two doubles by Andy Tsai '03 and Pete Ransmeier '02, the top of Trinity's line-up proved too much for the Jeffs, and they eventually fell 5-2.
"Because Trinity recruits internationally, it is usually hard to compete with them at number one singles," noted Leibsohn. "We were hoping to win with our depth but fell a little short."
The team rebounded quickly from the loss on Saturday with a win against Wesleyan. The Jeffs secured the doubles point, with wins from Tsai and Ransmeier at number two and Wellner and Feeley at number three.
"Winning the doubles point was extremely important for the momentum of the match," explained Wellner. "Getting the point really upped our confidence going into singles."
The team then went on to dominate the singles ladder, despite missing injured number one Wexler. Wellner, Tsai, Feeley and George Tsai '02 won at numbers three, four, five and six singles, respectively.
Yesterday the Jeffs had another home match against Bates, currently ranked third in the NESCAC. Despite wins by Leibsohn, Wellner, and Andy Tsai, the absence of number one Wexler proved to be too big of a handicap for the Jeff's. Losing the other three singles and the doubles point, they fell 4-3 in only their second loss of the season.
The next match for the men's tennis team will be at home Saturday against arch rival Williams College, ranked first in the NESCAC.
"We're hoping to pull out a big upset this weekend," said Leibsohn. "Their winning streak is about to come to an end."
The match will be at 1:00 at the lower tennis courts.