Tennis continues hot streak

Author: Steve Beslow

A week after dominating the NESCAC field at the Panther Invitational, the Middlebury men's tennis squad had another strong showing at last weekend's Cornell Invitational. After three victories in their own tournament, it was important that the Panther's keep their momentum going in the right direction, and yet again, Middlebury did not disappoint.

As the only NCAA Division III school competing in the eight-team field, Middlebury had some stiff competition, including Colgate, Lehigh and the host, Cornell. Even so, Co-captains Nate Edmunds '06 and Brian Waldron '06 both managed to reach the "A" flight finals - repeating the feat they accomplished just one week earlier at the Panther Invitational. Waldron could not be happier with his - and the team's - strong start. "It was extremely important for our team to get off to a good start this season," said Waldron, "Especially after coming up one win short last year as we fell in the national championship match. Our success the past two weekends shows me that the team has come back energized and ready to play."

Other strong singles showings included George Mayer '07, who won three tight matches before falling in the "B" flight finals, 6-2, 7-5 to Stony Brook's Nihal Advani, and Salih Unsal '08, who was eliminated 7-6, 6-2 in the "C" flight semifinals. Jeff Oldenburg '06 also stepped up, coming from behind to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and sweep the "D" flight consolation bracket. Furthermore, Kevin Bergesen '07 made it into the finals of the "C" flight consolation bracket before falling in three sets.

The doubles field was also filled with strong finishes. Waldron and Co-captain Ari Beilin '06 were downed 9-8 (5) in an incredibly tight "A" flight final, while Mayer and Oldenburg lost 9-7 in the "B" flight semis against Cornell's Kevin Jay and Tongle Yu.

With success in every bracket, Middlebury had no trouble showing that it was not in over their heads competing with Division I schools. "It was nice to play against some D-I competition to see where we stack up," said Edmunds. "I think it was a fun trip for all of us and good preparation for next weekend."

Middlebury should have no problem riding that preparation to yet another NESCAC title, and, at the very least, a strong national showing.

The impressive finish at Cornell puts the Panthers in excellent position for the upcoming season, in which they hope to win back the national title that slipped away last year. Middlebury's finishes in the season's two opening tournaments also bodes well for the upcoming International Tennis Association Regional Championships, which are being held at Williams College, from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.