Hardcourt heroes hammer home three wins Panthers play Ephs off the court before sweeping aside Bowdoin and Bates

Author: Eri Nosaka

This past week the men's tennis team again proved that they deserve to be ranked number one in Division III tennis. On April 6th Middlebury faced Williams College, a team that the Panthers last met on the courts for a shot at the NESCAC Championsihp last year. On that occassion the Panthers prevailed, ensuring that the Ephs had an extra incentive to get the better of Middlebury this time around.

On this beautiful day many supporters came out to witness the Panthers beat the Ephs 5-2, with wins from Brian Waldron '06, Ari Beilin '06, Nate Edmunds '06, Alex Scott '07 and Salih Unsal '08. The team maintained its momentum through the weekend as the Panthers defeated both Bowdoin and Bates, blanking both schools in comprehensive 7-0 victories.

Notable players in singles are Waldron and Beilin ranked #1 and #2 respectively, who have been playing exceptionally well this week and throughout the entire season thus far. In doubles Beilin and Scott have played consistently well together and conquered an impressive Williams duo this past week.

"We will remain as the top team in division III, which is good for the team morale but gives the other teams more to fight for. They come out firing because it is usually the biggest match of the season for them. Being the favorites can be tough sometimes," said Unsal when asked about the team's spirit since the Williams match.

As of now the team remains undefeated in the division, but they continue to work fiercely everyday in practice and during their matches as they get ready to participate in NESCACs and likely NCAAs.

"Every match we play is a challenge since winning the National Championship last year, because we always have a target on our chests. We know we have to come out with our best game every time out, because we expect our opponents to do the same. To be able to do that against Williams was important for us. It was one more step towards proving to ourselves that we could play our best tennis when it counts," commented Andrew Jacobi '05.

"We have been focusing a lot on doubles strategy lately, as well as being able to take advantage of opportunities to close out points in singles," continued Jacobi. "The important thing for us is to work on improving with every practice, because we know we are going to have to peak at the right time if we hope to have any chance at repeating in May. "

On April 12 Middlebury faced off against Union College. The Panthers easily handled Union, taking all nine matches while dropping only 12 games total.

This weekend the team will take on NESCAC foes Amherst College and Trinity College. Although Amherst College and Trinity College are ranked lower than Middlebury, they are both solid teams who may give the Panthers a run for their money. The match against the Lord Jeffs will be on April 16 at Amherst while the match with Trinity will be at home on April 17.