By Eustace Browne
Contributing Writer
The men’s tennis team hits the road this weekend after a strong showing at its only home tournament of the year, the SBU Fall Classic. The Bonnies hosted visiting Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks and the Alfred State Pioneers.
Head Coach Michael Bates discussed the advantages of a home tournament.
“The familiarity of the courts and things such as the wind and temperature just makes us comfortable, but sometimes I feel that being on the road enables us to focus more,” he said.
The Bonnies took 30 out of 32 matches and started off the weekend strong after winning every doubles match on Friday. Alfred would win two game points between the four matches. The pairings of Elliot Fanshel/Celso de Vera Rehberger, Trevor Haskell/Timothy DeSanto and Jacob Mishkin/Hristo Hristov set the tone for the weekend.
In the evening, Jacob Mishkin defeated Alfred’s Baloga 6-0, 6-0 during singles. Hristov also defeated his competitor, Berardi, 6-0, 6-1.
The men defended their undefeated status during the next doubles game. Irizarry/Javier Ortiz were crowned “Flight A Winners” while Haskell/DeSanto succeeded as “Flight B Winners.”
SBU’s Fall Classic concluded at 3 p.m. with Irizarry finishing as the “Flight A Winner,” Ortiz as the “Flight B Winner” and finally De Vera Rehberger with the “Flight C Winner.”
Coach Bates emphasized the successes of the tournament as a good experience for the team.
“It was good for the players and especially the freshmen to get some matches and experience under their belt,” Bates said.
Additionally, he said it is too early to point out one standout player.
“It’s way too early to determine that. Some are better than I thought but, it’s important for us to continue to work hard on improving.”
One area Bates wants his players to work on is the mental aspect of the game in doubles action.
“I think it’s important for us to focus on finishing points and eliminating the opposition’s second chances,” he said.
Bates hopes the Bonnies will take those lessons to heart as the Bonnies travel to West Point for the Army Invite this weekend. However, with the government shutdown in the backdrop, the tournament’s status has been put into question.
At any rate, the team will be preparing for the very stiff competition at the Invite, should it happen. They will be going up against Yale, Boston College and of course the home team Army.
“The competition will be tough but we’ll be ready,” he said.
