By Christopher Spiker
Contributing Writer
The Bonnies’ men’s and women’s tennis teams start their spring schedule this weekend after a winter hiatus. On Saturday, the women’s team starts its season, hosting the U.S. Naval Academy at the SBU Indoor Courts in Olean. The men’s team co-hosts St. Francis (Pa.) with the women on Sunday with matches starting at 11 a.m. Coach Michael Bates, in his 18th season, used the fall semester to observe individual progress.
“We got to see everyone play in some singles matches to get an idea of where they fit in the lineup,” Bates said.
Sophomore Trevor Haskell said his teammates prepared for the spring through rigorous training with Bates and assistant coach Taylan Batuk.
“We’ve done more endurance (training) to get ourselves in shape to be able to last in three-set matches,” Haskell said.
Sophomore Fatya Amiri said the team has learned to adapt their individual styles to the collegiate team format.
“We’ve all progressed into a team,” Amiri said.
This fall, senior Luis Guevara led the men’s team with a 4-6 singles record and a 6-4 doubles record with senior Oscar Yanez. Senior Riley Archer led the women’s team with a 5-3 singles record, while Amiri and sophomore Marissa Brossard posted the top doubles record, at 2-3.
For Bates, these matches will help his teams concentrate on their preparation for the Atlantic 10 championships.
“It’s a matter of getting an idea to see what else we need to work on throughout the year,” Bates said.
Bates said he wants his four seniors to keep younger players grounded through the highs and lows of a season.
“They’ve been there before so they know what it’s like,” Bates said.
The teams have a diverse roster with 14 players from six countries. Bates believes the international diversity positively influences team chemistry.
Haskell said he enjoys the exposure to players and cultures from around the world.
“I’ve learned a lot from them and I hope to go visit these other places,” he said.
Strong leadership and team unity will be important for the Bonnies in the challenging A-10 championships, according to Bates.
George Washington’s men’s team, Richmond’s women’s team and VCU’s men’s and women’s teams qualified for the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Bates, a three-time A-10 men’s coach of the year, said he believes newcomers Butler and VCU will be highly favored to win the A-10.
The men’s A-10 tournament will take place in Mason, Ohio April 25-28 and the women’s in Charlottesville, Va. April 18-21.
Notable non-conference matches for the men’s team include trips to 2012 NCAA Tournament participants Virginia Tech and Youngstown St. The women’s team will travel to 2012 NCAA Tournament participant Army in the non-conference schedule.
The Bonnies will likely hold most home matches at the Olean indoor courts, weather permitting, Bates said.
spikerca11@bonaventure.edu
