The week started poorly for the Cardinals Men’s Tennis team and it only got worse. After a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Brandeis, Wesleyan suffered against Wheaton, falling 7-0, and ended the week with a 6-1 beating at the hands of archrival Amherst.
The top seed match in the showdown against Brandeis epitomized the afternoon for the Cardinals. Ace Max Kates ’06 fell flat in the first game, losing 6-0. Even though he fought back in the second, ultimately he could not overcome his opponent and ended the match with a tough 7-5 defeat in the second set. Playing in the two-hole, Tallen Todorovich ’07 lost in epic fashion, just letting go of the first set in extra points, dominating the second, but dropping the final set 6-2. The next three matches bounced Wesleyan’s way, as Mike Roguly ’05, Evan Rhodes ’05 and Matt Cron ’05 all defeated their Brandeis foes.
“I think our seniors stepped up in the Brandeis match, winning all three of their singles matches,” Kates said.
Unfortunately, the momentum would not last. Michael Frank ’08 fell in the six spot, and in the doubles matches, only the pair of Kates and Jack Rooney ’07 could manage a win.
“Max and I really fought hard in the match against Brandeis, and really pulled through with pure guts and determination,” Kates said. “We did lose some close matches, but these things happen. I felt the team played fine.”
At the Wheaton match two days later, the Cardinals had a brutally tough time adjusting to the fast indoor courts. Only one player, Roguly, managed to win a single set, extending his match to a third set but ultimately losing.
“We will never play Wheaton again on their own indoor courts,” Kates said. “That was home court advantage like I have never seen it before. Those courts were so fast you felt as if your body was moving in slow motion and the ball was on fast-forward. We didn’t adjust to it at all. Honestly, I am not a big excuse maker, [but] we beat them last year 5-2 on our courts, which play neutrally, and the teams have not changed much.”
Perhaps still in shock from their drubbing against Wheaton, life did not improve for the Cardinals last Saturday against Amherst. The Little Three rivals handed Wesleyan a 6-1 defeat in Middletown. Only Rooney, in his first singles match of the season, rallied a victory against the Lord Jeffs. The sophomore had been sidelined due to a wrist injury, only able to play doubles until the match with Amherst. He came off the bench in impressive fashion.
“My singles match against Amherst was a great confidence booster for myself because of the way I was able to really settle down and play some smart singles,” Rooney said. “A lot of the time, when you get into a tough match and you’re getting beat, it’s very tough to step back and think about changing your game. I really calmed down in the second set and starting picking my shots. It felt really good to get back in the singles lineup and help the guys out when they need me.”
Despite the tough week, the Cardinals remain confident that their best tennis lies ahead of them. This afternoon, Wesleyan heads to Babson College for a match with the Beavers.
“Pay attention to the next week,” Kates said. “This losing streak is about to turn around. Big time. Wesleyan tennis is not a 2-6 team.”
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