Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Tennis teams are in full swing

By Tim Sanford and Kristian Flitton

Both the men's and women's tennis teams have come out swinging this season. With a record of 14-2, both are off to their best start in school history.

Recently, they have both caught the attention of the entire ODAC conference. The men nearly defeated reigning ODAC champions Washington and Lee, losing by one point (3-4).

"The addition of Steven (Wright) and Eric (Caudil) has really strengthened the team and given us more depth," captain Jeff Zenisek said. "Both of them bring an all around game and a lot of experience."

With a three point deficit to conference rival Hampton-Sydney, Caudil and Brett Barns won their singles matches, bringing the Marlins within one point of tying the match.

Down two breaks in the second set to the defending ODAC singles champion and Player of the Year, Patrick Gee, Zenisek fought back to win, tying the match at three all.

After dropping the first set, and being down 2-5 in the second, Tommy Popomaronis rallied back to win the set in a tie breaker. He would go on to win the match, giving the Marlins the one point edge over Hampton-Sydney for the victory.

The Marlins have also posted wins against Lynchburg, Chowan, Randolph-Macon and Emory and Henry.

It was not until this past weekend that the men's win streak of ten was snapped in a loss to Bridgewater College (3-4).

While the men's streak was broken the women continued to win, raising their streak to 10 matches in a row.

Freshman Meagan Crook has been a huge addition to the team.

"She helps set the tone," team captain Caroline Place said. "I've been impressed with her play."

More so than in the past, the women's doubles has plaged especially well.

"Coach (Joanne) Renn has been a great help to the team," Place said. "She has really increased the teams conditioning, which helps us when we are deep into a match."

With the rain out of Mondays match against N.C. Wesleyan, the Marlins have the rest of the week to rest for the final stretch of the season.