By Christopher Spiker
Contributing Writer
The men’s tennis team (2-1) defeated Colgate, 4-3, while the women’s team (2-4) lost to Colgate, 4-3, Saturday.
The men travel to No. 43 Virginia Tech today and the women travel to Army. The women open their Atlantic 10 schedule against University of Massachusetts Saturday at Army. Both teams host Bucknell Sunday with matches beginning at 11 a.m.
The Bonnies play two 2012 NCAA Tournament participants on Friday, as Virginia Tech’s men’s team and Army’s women’s team qualified for last year’s tournament. Head coach Michael Bates said his team is excited to challenge tough, experienced opponents.
“They look forward to the tough competition and the chance to compare themselves,” Bates said.
This weekend’s rigorous schedule helps Bates’ teams play well against easier competition, he said.
“We’re hoping to stay at that higher level,” Bates said.
Coach Bates credits the men’s victory over Colgate to their strong doubles performance.
“We came out with a lot of energy and that got us into singles,” Bates said.
Seniors Oscar Yanez and Luis Guevara led the Bonnies to victory, winning two singles matches and a doubles match. Yanez defeated Bobby Berkowitz in second singles, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Guevara defeated Alec Goldstein in third singles, 6-2, 6-2. Yanez and Guevara paired up for an 8-2 victory in first doubles.
Junior Javier Ortiz added a singles and doubles victory for the Bonnies. Ortiz defeated Alan Pleat in fourth singles, 6-3, 6-2, his fourth straight singles win, dating back to Oct. 7 at Yale. Coach Bates said Ortiz’s recent play makes him a quiet leader for the team.
“He’s gotten quicker and stronger,” Bates said. “He understands the game more and knows how to set up his forehand.”
Ortiz teamed up with junior Elliot Fanshel in second doubles, defeating Luke Gensburg and Tom Haile, 8-3. However, Gensburg defeated Fanshel in first singles, 6-2, 6-3.
The sophomore duo of Fatya Amiri and Marissa Brossard led the Bonnies, winning two singles matches. Amiri defeated Kelsey Shea in first singles, 6-3, 6-3. Brossard defeated Alex Petrini in second singles, 6-2, 6-1. Amiri and Brossard did not complete their first doubles match because of a rule that states all doubles matches must stop when the doubles point have been decided, Bates said.
Senior Kathryn Kvas earned the Bonnies a singles victory, defeating Jennifer Ho, 4-6, 6-0, 6-0. Kvas and freshman Taylor Cole lost in second doubles to Shea and Meredith Rock, 8-6, giving Colgate the doubles point.
“We got ourselves in trouble once we lost the doubles point,” Bates said. “We have to figure out ways to finish off the doubles so we can make it easier on ourselves in the singles matches.”
Coach Bates said he wants positive results in future doubles matches, building momentum for singles matches.
“We have to show energy,” Bates said. “The guys proved that against Colgate, they came out with energy and held it all the way through (the match).”
