Men's tennis drowns in Great Lakes tournament

Team competes against Division 1 teams over Spring Break

Frustration must set in after repeated losses like the men's tennis team has faced over the last three weeks. Losing seven straight, the team (2-9) is struggling to keep its pre-season hopes alive.

The men's tennis team played host to the Great Lakes College Association (GLCA) tournament Friday and Saturday. Denison University won the tournament with a final match against Kalamazoo College 4-3, the number one ranked team in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

"The tournament is a great chance for us to see, and play, some great tennis. And the teams, coaches, and players are very nice and fun to compete against," Barker said.

Oberlin played and lost two matches during the tournament, one to Kenyon College and one to Hope College.

According to team co-captain junior Peter Swendsen, junior Michael O'Connell's match against Kenyon was one of the most interesting matches in the tournament.

"Kenyon has been at the top couple teams of our conference since I started paying attention to college tennis, and his [O'Connell's] win is a big one for him and the team," first-year Brendan Mislin said. O'Connell won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.

This was the only win in the 6-1 loss against Kenyon.. O'Connell also doubled with sophomore Wes Clapp to score the only doubles victory, 8-4, during the tournament in the match against Hope College. Their win was the only doubles victory, and was not enough for Oberlin to earn the doubles point as the team lost the other matches 6-0.

Before last week's tournament, the team stumbled to its disappointing 2-9 record with a series of losses.

The streak began against Ohio Northern University before Spring Break, when Oberlin lost 6-1. Their only point was scored in the number-three singles spot, played by junior Sam Steckley. On the same day, they lost to Capital University, 6-0.

Over Spring Break, Oberlin lost three games 7-0 and one 6-2. The points were scored in the number six and seven singles matches. On March 31, the team lost to Denison University 7-0.

"While we have been losing these very tough matches, several against nationally ranked or Division I teams, we are nonetheless improving greatly," co-captain junior Peter Swendsen said.

Over Spring Break, the men's tennis team saw some new faces, as they left conference play to try their hand against fiercer competition in Florida. Among the opposition were two Division I schools and a very good Division III team. None of the teams that Oberlin played against are in their conference.

"The guys did well and had some great games against the very tough competition, despite the team scores," Barker said. According to Barker, the team played on different surfaces than they were used to. The matches were played on outdoor courts including one match on a clay court. The weather also influenced play according to Swendsen. He noted that the outdoor surfaces are slower than the ones at Oberlin.

"In general I was very pleased with how we adjusted and are still adjusting to playing outdoors," Swendsen said .

The team also had the opportunity to practice with the tennis club pros while in Florida. "The practice session with tennis pros provided the team with a new perspective, and they responded very well to it and had a great workout," Barker said.

During the course of the trip, team co-captain junior Sam Steckley dislocated his shoulder. He will be unable to play for at least part of the season.

"Sam is still a great asset to the team, even when injured. He is a great motivator and an enthusiastic captain. We hope he'll be fresh when he returns to the lineup," first-year Benjamin Fox said.

Tread lightly: A member of the men's tennis team practices in Heisman fieldhouse this week. The team has moved outdoors now and is in the process of adjusting to the change in surface. (photo by John Matney)