The men’s tennis team closed out its 2011 spring campaign on Wednesday with an 8-1 thrashing of non-conference opponent US Coast Guard Academy. The victory was emblematic of the Cardinal’s season, one which saw Wes achieve consistent victories over weaker, non-conference opponents, but have trouble against the top teams in the NESCAC. The Cardinals finished the season 9-9-1, a slight improvement over last year’s 9-10 record, but in terms of matches won and player’s development the team made marked strides.

Jeff Legunn ’13 led the charge for the Cardinal’s this season, posting a team best 15-3 singles record, which was a vast improvement over his freshman season in which he went 10-7 at the number one spot. The largely sophomore team improved across the board in its win differential, and as the team continues to mature there is hope that they will become a force within the NESCAC conference. In addition, a strong class of incoming freshmen next year should help the Cardinal’s quest to achieve elite status within the conference.

The Cardinals made quick work of the Coast Guard Bears, sweeping their singles matches and going 2-1 on the doubles side. At the number one spot Leguun won 6-2, 6-2, at number two senior Michael Piderit, in his last match as a Cardinal, won 6-2, 6-4, and at number three Alex Hirsch ’13 won a close match, 6-7, 7-5, 10-7. In the bottom half of the singles bracket John Parsons ’13 and Donald Kleckner ’13 made quick work of their opponents, both winning 6-1, 6-1, and Michael Thaddeus Glen ’13 gave his opponent the bagel, showing no mercy in his 6-0, 6-0 dominant victory. On the doubles side, the team of Piderit and Hirsch dropped a close match 8-9, the combination of Leguun and Kleckner won 8-1, and the senior duo of Garrett Blank ’11 and Steve Hauser ’11 took their final match as Cardinals 8-2.

Heading into the summer, the Cardinals hope to train hard and come back stronger next season. While the seniors will be missed, the rising juniors are optimistic about their chances next fall.

“Going into this season with the same line-up as last year, we knew that we would have to step up our game to compete with top teams,” Glen said. “As a team, I feel that we improved as a whole, especially in doubles. Although we had some tough losses, our advances this season will help us in the future.”

“Next season we have a bunch of talented new players coming in who will hopefully make a strong contribution to our team,” Glen continued. “We will continue to work hard this summer and are looking to forward to competing again in the fall.”