By Jonathan Sawyer
Staff Writer
The Men’s Tennis team lost its final home match of the season to the Dayton Flyers 7-0. It has not been the most successful season, in the winning category, but the team seems to be in high spirits, according to Coach Michael Bates.
This young, freshman-heavy team faced a tough schedule coming into the season. Not only is the team young, but injuries and illness have been a factor throughout the season, said Bates. Junior Eduardo Irizarry missed three weeks due to a shoulder injury.
The team now has everyone back and healthy after a month and a half of injuries and illness. “I think we are starting to pick it up now, trying to figure out who’s going to play well with who, in doubles. This weekend will be a good test with LaSalle and St. Joes,” Bates said.
With the team finally getting everyone back and healthy, the Bonnies look to make a strong run going into the Atlantic 10 Championships.
“I try not to focus on our record. I’m just worried about if we are getting better each match, each day, every practice,” Bates said.
Starting three freshman is a rare occasion for the Bonnies. Starting with such a young team, there is always room for improvement and learning season by season.
“I think individually we work with each player and work on different things they need to work on, and I think the freshman are getting stronger and understand the level they have to play in order to compete. I think it makes a big difference,” Bates said.
Yet with all the struggles this season, Bates still is confident in his team going into the A-10 Tournament. “I think we can do anything; we played Duquesne, that’s considered one of the top three teams in the conference and we played them tough,” Bates said.
Playing a tough team such as Duquesne, who started three seniors to the Bonnies three freshman, is a good indication of what level they can play. Almost being victorious against one of the top teams in the conference, is a good confidence booster for this young team.
Looking towards LaSalle and St. Joseph’s this weekend, Bates believes that if they play well that they can be successful.
“We just need to get out there and get another win, and as long as we play well, I’ll be happy with how we do,” Bates said.
The Bonnies will close out their regular season against LaSalle on Saturday, April 11 and Saint Josephs on Sunday April 12.
The A-10 Championship tournament will take place between April 23 and 26 in Mason, Ohio.
