Posted: 04/04/07

Back in the swing
The men's and women's tennis teams return from spring break trip

Kristen Fiocco | contributing writer
kfiocco@smcvt.edu

The men's and women's team traveled to Hilton Head Island, S.C. to play several non conference opponents. ( photo courtesy of Cara Bednar)

The St. Michael's College men's and women’s tennis teams spent six days of spring break at Hilton Head Island, S.C. for a tournament. The teams faced five other colleges during the trip, yet came away with only one win each.

Both squads agree that the competition was intense and that they were in the tournament to gain experience. The matches in South Carolina did not count toward their records in the Northeast-10 conference (NE-10).

Each team has already earned a spot in the playoffs. The women are currently in second place in the NE-10 and the men are ranked fifth.

Spring break in S.C.

The men’s opener on March 11 was close, as they lost by only one match. The women fared the same.

Each team continued their losing streak until March 13, when the women pulled off a 7-2 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University. The men followed right behind, and served up an 8-1 win against Pennsylvania State-Behrend College on March 14.

Greg Cluff, the head coach of women’s tennis, says the trip to South Carolina is not about victories, but for challenges, and describes the other participating 68 teams as “fabulous competition.”

The women's team currently has an overall record of 9-6, and an NE-10 record of 8-1. (photo courtesy of Cara Bednar)

The women’s squad had seven matches during the fall, and then started up again in the spring. Cluff explains that the anticipation of the spring trip is great motivation for the women to train hard during the winter.

“The kids take it very seriously,” Cluff says. “When we come back, each of the players is ready to play at the best of their ability.”

 

That kind of mentality spreads into the men’s team as well. David Besserer, a sophomore, says the trip is exciting and that the team comes back playing better and feeling more united.

“I think that we all went down to Hilton Head with an objective in mind,” Besserer says. “We stayed on course with that objective and played to our highest potential.”

Sophomore John Lescure says he was thrilled to get the opportunity to take a free spring break trip. He says the beaches were great, but it was also a good learning opportunity.

“One thing we noticed is that [the other colleges] took the sport seriously.” He says, “The other teams were way too professional. We’re down there to hang out and play tennis.”

Lescure says that some teams, such as Assumption College, play schools that don't offer tough competition, just to add up wins and have a good record. He says St. Michael's has never done that and never will.

Lescure also says that South Carolina was a really fun time and that the squads welcomed the opportunity to play strong teams. Last year they did not have one victory during spring break, he says. He attributes one of the reasons for stronger playing to Head Coach Kevin Lizzo.

“[Lizzo] completely changed the dynamic of the team,” Lescure says. “When we’re having more fun, we play better.”

Improving records

The women’s team is improving since last year as well. Senior Cailie Burns says the women’s play is intensifying. She says the squad’s performance lately has been much better than last year.

The women’s team currently holds an overall record of 9-6 and a NE-10 record of 8-1. The men’s team has an overall record of 7-7, and an NE-10 record of 5-3.

In addition to both team's improved records, each team has also had an NE-10 player of the week. Burns and Lescure were recognized by the conference on March 26 for their outstanding performances on the court.

Burns says she was happy to be recognized by the NE-10.

“It always feels really nice to be honored,” she says.

“[The award] was very richly deserved, Cailie sets a great example,” Cluff says in regards to Burns. He also says she puts a considerable amount of effort into improving her tactics.

Playoffs

“All three years I’ve been here we’ve lost in the semis. I think that the way the team’s been playing it is possible to remain in second place.” -Senior Cailie Burns

One thing that is on both team’s minds is the playoffs. Junior Andy Samara was out of play for about six weeks before the spring tennis season and missed the trip to Hilton Head due to an injury. That does not stop him from welcoming the oncoming challenge of postseason play. Samara says that some extra conditioning and footwork would probably help the team to prosper in the postseason.

“It will be a big step for us to win a playoff match,” Samara says. He adds that a big motivational factor was the recent 5-4 victory over Pace.

“That was a big win for us,” he says. “We haven’t beaten them in a while.” Lescure also says that beating Pace was exciting, and it secures their position in the playoffs.

The men’s team needs three more victories in order to be able to host a playoff game at home. They have exactly three matches left in their regular season. Besserer says he is very confident that they can win the rest of their matches.

Junior Megan Conway says she expects the team to do well in the postseason. She also says she looks forward to competing with Bryant University, the team that is responsible for the one loss in their 8-1 record.

As a senior, Burns says she really anticipates the postseason.

“All three years I’ve been here we’ve lost in the semis,” she says. “I think that the way the team’s been playing it is possible to remain in second place.”

She adds that one of the team’s strengths is singles. Burns says every one of the girls who competes individually is strong.

“On our team we don’t get excited about winning or losing,” Cluff says. “The results take care of themselves.”