Men's tennis sputters

The men's tennis team ventured to Grenelefe, Florida over Spring Break, testing its luck on the road against a number of competent opponents. Playing five matches in six days, the Yeomen were only able to grab one victory, coming at the hands of Maryville College on March 21.

But what an impressive victory it was. The Yeomen defeated Maryville 7-0, winning all six singles matches and all three doubles matches against their hapless opponent. At first singles, sophomore Jed Greenberg blanked John Chiles 6-0, 6-0, while at second singles Maryville's Mark Rice only took one game from senior Sam Steckley. At first doubles Steckley teamed up with senior Mike O'Connell to trounce Chiles and Mark Rice 8-0. Continuing the effort, both the second and third Oberlin doubles teams beat their opponents by the same score. Oberlin's victory over Maryville is perhaps indicative of the improved dynamics of the team. Junior John Stinson said, "We've been trying to stress team unity this past week and keep on track. We're trying to stay mentally focused."

As the week rolled on, Oberlin faced progressively more difficult opponents, meeting a tough Carleton College team that might not have handed the Yeomen a defeat under more ideal conditions. But the Yeomen appeared fatigued after the numerous matches and could not take it to Carleton. In that meet, Greenberg was the sole singles winner for Oberlin, beating Will Slade 6-1, 6-1. On the doubles side, however, the effort was more consistent, with both the first and third teams winning. At first doubles, Steckley and O'Connell won 8-3, while teammates first-year Rich Raz and sophomore Ben Fox won 8-6 at third doubles. Against such competitive teams as Oberlin faced, winning was not the sole purpose of the trip to Florida. Raz said, "I think winning was not the only priority of the trip. As a result of the trip, the team is a lot stronger and more cohesive."

Returning home after what could be called a learning experience, the Yeomen challenged Denison University on Tuesday. They were up for a serious challenge, as Denison is a constant force in the top five ranking for Division III schools nationwide. Though the Yeomen lost 7-0, they proved their intensity, testing the talented Denison players. Stinson said, "We knew what we were getting into and we tried to think positively. There are only five or six teams in the country that can beat them. It's almost a formality to play them." In a fiercely competitive match in the second singles slot, Steckley lost to John Ginthel 4-6, 4-6. In another impressive match, Fox tried to match Greg Wetsel, but ultimately lost 4-6, 3-6. On the doubles side of things, Steckley and O'Connell challenged Cole Newman and Paget Neave of Denison, but were turned away in a 3-8 defeat. At second doubles, junior Eric Shin and Greenberg tried to squeeze a victory from Vivek Krishna and John Ginthel, but were denied, 4-8. In the third doubles match, Stinson and Fox played Greg Wetsel and Jeremy Edesess, but could not walk away with a victory, losing 4-8.

The men's tennis team hosts Kenyon College tomorrow in a 1 p.m. match and then travels to John Carroll University on Tuesday.

Move aside, Pete Sampras: The Yeomen blast away at their opponents during a recent match with Denison. Sadly, their efforts were not rewarded that day, as the men dropped a 7-0 decision. They hope to rebound in their match against Kenyon this Saturday. (photo by Gregory Bell)