Expectations for the Year:
The Men’s tennis team set out this season to improve on their fall performance, where they lost all three of their matches in the Oct. 27, fall, Patriot League Championship. The team expected sophomore Brian Stefanowicz to be a difference-maker in the spring season.
“Brian was probably the best showing at the tournament,” captain, junior Brandon Goldstein said back in October 2013.
What Happened:
The team didn’t come away with too many wins in the Spring 2014 season. They lost all out-of conference matches except one to Division III Muhlenberg College over spring break. They beat Holy Cross during conference play and won their first matchup in the Patriot League Tournament against the Crusaders 4-0. Junior Brandon Goldstein pointed to the improvement in doubles play for the team.
“Our chemistry with one another grew a lot from last year,” Goldstein said. “Our doubles play was much better than last year. Winning the doubles point over Bucknell and St. Peters was important because we lost the doubles point to both teams last year. For individual doubles teams, we had wins in almost every single match.”
Hopes for next Year:
The men’s team will return all players from last year, with the addition of incoming freshmen. The team will look to maintain its exceptional doubles play, and significantly improve performance in the singles game.
“I think we have a great chance at making a statement in the Patriot League,” Goldstein said. “As many teams in the Patriot League are losing people to graduation, we will not be losing anyone. I think this is our chance to get a few wins in the league.”
The team will focus especially on improvements of rising senior Jake Lazer and sophomore Brian Pinkard.