Nationally ranked tennis adds to winning streak
If you haven't caught a glimpse of the nationally ranked men's and women's tennis teams on the courts so far this spring, then you've surely missed some exceptional performances.
The Lady Jays have been on a six-event winning streak dating back to March 13 with their latest win, an 8-1 victory against Franklin & Marshall.
The men's team suffered a hard-fought 5-4 loss at Washington & Lee on Sunday but dominated with a 9-0 win at home against the Muhlenberg Mules only one day prior.
"[We're] in good position to win the conference championship again this year," men's and women's team coach Chuck Willenborg said. "We have lost a few 5-4 decisions to some of the best teams in the country. Hopefully, we'll get another shot at these teams at the NCAAs."
Both squads have been greatly supported by a dynamic underclassman contingent.
Freshmen Abby Dwyer and Yasmine Elamir have each delivered undefeated performances on the girls' recent three-event homestand, while sophomore Anita Bhamidipati is one of a duo that has not lost in doubles play this year.
The women's team is ranked 14th in the region and fifth nationally.
Not to be outdone, the men have volleyed and served their way to a third regional and 15th national seeding for their team. The younger members of the unit have helped to compile
a total of 11 match wins in singles play in their last four events and a winning percentage of .786.
"It is nerve-racking to know that the rest of your team is counting on you," freshman Casey Blythe said. "But as the season progresses, I am dealing with the nerves better."
The men demonstrated their prowess when five players each finished with at least one Golden Set last Wednesday at McDaniel College, and the occurrence repeated itself against the Mules. Blythe and sophomores Dan Myers and David Maldow were the underclassmen who were in that elite group.
"In the heat of the season, age really doesn't matter, said Maldow, who is heralded as one of the top five players in the country. "I'm glad to have contributed up to this point. It is fun to have accomplished what I have with two years of eligibility remaining."
The Lady Jays have been on a six-event winning streak dating back to March 13 with their latest win, an 8-1 victory against Franklin & Marshall.
The men's team suffered a hard-fought 5-4 loss at Washington & Lee on Sunday but dominated with a 9-0 win at home against the Muhlenberg Mules only one day prior.
"[We're] in good position to win the conference championship again this year," men's and women's team coach Chuck Willenborg said. "We have lost a few 5-4 decisions to some of the best teams in the country. Hopefully, we'll get another shot at these teams at the NCAAs."
Both squads have been greatly supported by a dynamic underclassman contingent.
Freshmen Abby Dwyer and Yasmine Elamir have each delivered undefeated performances on the girls' recent three-event homestand, while sophomore Anita Bhamidipati is one of a duo that has not lost in doubles play this year.
The women's team is ranked 14th in the region and fifth nationally.
Not to be outdone, the men have volleyed and served their way to a third regional and 15th national seeding for their team. The younger members of the unit have helped to compile
a total of 11 match wins in singles play in their last four events and a winning percentage of .786.
"It is nerve-racking to know that the rest of your team is counting on you," freshman Casey Blythe said. "But as the season progresses, I am dealing with the nerves better."
The men demonstrated their prowess when five players each finished with at least one Golden Set last Wednesday at McDaniel College, and the occurrence repeated itself against the Mules. Blythe and sophomores Dan Myers and David Maldow were the underclassmen who were in that elite group.
"In the heat of the season, age really doesn't matter, said Maldow, who is heralded as one of the top five players in the country. "I'm glad to have contributed up to this point. It is fun to have accomplished what I have with two years of eligibility remaining."
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