Men's tennis keeps on rolling with win vs. Tufts

Author: Martin Breu

Men's tennis is on a roll, as they extended their impressive winning streak to seven matches with victories over Washington and Lee and Tufts.

The Panthers hosted both matches here at Middlebury this past week so that the players were able to enjoy the beautiful spring weather while making light work of their competition - both Wash. and Lee and Tufts were dispatched with ease by a score of 8-1. After struggling to find consistency in doubles play, the Panthers have mixed up their doubles lineup creating two new doubles teams who proved dominant in this Sunday's match against Tufts.

The Panthers' week started off with a midweek match against Washington and Lee, ranked 19th in the country. Middlebury started the match off in a dominating fashion, winning two of the three doubles matches, and never relinquished the momentum. David Farah '12 and tri-Captain Andrew Thomson '10 set the tone for the match with their crushing 8-1 win at the number one doubles spot.

Not to be upstaged, tri-captains Andrew Lee '10 and Conrad Olson '09 routed their competition 8-1 as well to secure number two doubles. The Panthers dropped the number-three doubles match as Andrew Peters '11 and Rich Bonfiglio '11.5 fought hard, but lost 6-8.

Washington and Lee's roster boasts a familiar name for the Middlebury community - Jamie McCardell, son of former Middlebury College President Emeritus of the College John McCardell, plays number one singles and number two doubles for the Generals.

Unfortunately for McCardell, Olson did not cut him any slack when the match switched over to singles and won in dominating fashion 6-4, 6-0.

The rest of the team followed Olson's stellar example, winning all six of the singles matches in straight sets.

After Wednesday's match, the Panthers had a couple days of respite before returning to the courts on Sunday to take on Tufts. Again the weather cooperated to stage a match under a cloudless blue sky.

Despite the Panthers' great performance against Wash. and Lee earlier in the week, men's coach Dave Schwarz decided to change up the doubles teams so that Olson paired with Peters, and Lee played with Bonfiglio. The move paid dividends as the Panthers swept all three of the doubles matches with ease.

Farah and Thompson again proved why they are one of the top doubles teams in the country with their 8-4 victory at number one doubles. The new teams did not disappoint, either, with Lee and Bonfiglio winning 8-3 at the number two spot, and Olson and Peters winning 8-4 to clinch number three doubles.

"I think the fresh new teams will definitely help our cause in doubles this year," said Thompson of the doubles adjustments. Lee definitely seemed to adapt well to the change, hitting about 20 aces in his doubles match alone.

When the match against the Jumbos switched over to singles, the Panthers did not miss a beat, taking wins in five of the six games. Olson again led the team when he cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory at number one singles.

The rest of the squad rose to the Jumbos' challenge, winning their games in straight sets. First-year Derrick Angle '12 was especially impressive with his 6-0, 6-0 victory at number six singles.

The Panthers' sole loss came at number five singles as Peter Odell '10 fell in a tough battle.

Next up on the Panthers' calendar is an important weekend against Williams and Amherst this Saturday and Sunday. Both teams are top-ranked competitors.

"Overall, the team is looking good going into our big weekend," said Thompson. "I am excited to finally get a chance to battle them this year."