The men’s tennis team (1-3 Patriot League, 4-11 overall) started its match on Saturday against Navy (4-0 Patriot League, 16-13 overall) the right way: a few aces at second doubles and a backhand flick volley winner from senior captain Arman Ganchi at first doubles.
However, breezy conditions in their first outdoor match of the season forced the Leopards into longer points and Navy was able to pull out a comfortable win 6-1.
“I think our coaches gave us good tips before the match started, saying how it was going to be windy and that we needed to play longer points,” said freshman Owen Studdiford, who captured the Leopards’ lone win of the day 6-4 6-0 at sixth singles. “With practice starting up outside, I think it helped with these tough conditions today.”
At first singles, Ganchi dropped the first set 6-1. Following a strong forehand passing shot in the second set to gain some momentum — and eventually the break — Ganchi took the second set 6-3. Some unforced errors late in games plagued the first singles contest in the third set, as he fell 6-1 3-6 6-0.
Junior Nick McKenzie, who fell 6-2 6-1 at second singles, called Navy’s team “physically strong.”
“They kind of seemed a lot more comfortable with the conditions today,” he said. “They’ve definitely been a little better drilled on these types of conditions. They’re a great team, obviously, so I think Owen did a great job stealing a point away from them.”
At fourth singles, junior Jake Magnusson led 5-2 in his first set before Navy played a consistent and gritty game to steal it 7-5. It was a similar story in the second set, despite Magnusson stepping up his game with some well-placed serving and strong volleys 7-6 (3) after leading by a break.
The match was sealed after third singles sophomore Derrin Lerner fell 6-3 6-4. In the second set, Lerner trailed by a double break and clawed back to even the set at 4-4, but his opponent clinched the match with a powerful forehand crosscourt.
As for doubles, the Midshipmen won all three matches to claim the doubles point.
“I feel like with the spring break trip and this match, we’re kind of just building momentum into the second half of the season,” Studdiford said. “Everyone’s getting in a rhythm of practice and school work, so I think it will pay off more later down the season as everyone keeps grooving.”
McKenzie said the team is working to push through minor injuries that have affected the team.
“Everyone’s being pretty resilient with it, taking care of themselves, taking care of their bodies and recovering,” he said.
The Leopards will travel to Villanova (3-15 overall) on Friday before hosting four matches over the weekend.
