2009 Season Begins

After months of anticipation, the 2009 tennis season has begun. Without wasting any time, we started our season off against the #13 ranked team in the country and a SCIAC opponent in Redlands. It's always a challenge to take on Redlands, especially early in the season when we're just getting our bearings. At the same time, it proved a perfect opportunity to gauge ourselves and see where we need to improve. As if a nationally-ranked opponent isn't challenge enough for one day, we were also scheduled to drive out to UC Riverside to take on D-I University of Navada in the afternoon.

The Redlands match began very much in the Bulldog's favor, as they jumped out to early leads in all three doubles matches. We looked tight and jittery early on, which, with three freshmen in the doubles lineup isn't much of a suprise. We lost 8-1 at number two doubles as sophomore Nick Tagliarino and freshman Alex Groth struggled to get comfortable in the match. Senior Cam Taylor and Freshman Tommy Meyer began to dig their claws into the match, coming back from down 4-1, but they weren't able to take control of the momentum and lost 8-4. At three doubles, after a slow start, junior Grant Friedman and frosh Uday Singh stormed back to get on serve at 6-7. Following a series of deuces, Uday and Grant eventually succumbed and fell 8-6. It's clear that we still have quite a bit of work to do in doubles, but we have all of the tools to succeed at the highest levels.


Things started off much better in singles, as Tommy Meyer (2 singles) and Nick Tag (3 singles) each captured their first sets without much struggle. Cam Taylor (1 singles) led 5-2 before pulling out a 7-6 (7-5) first set tiebreaker. At 4 singles, Alex Groth battled but fell 7-5, 6-1 to a guy who played one singles for Redlands in 2008. Sophomore Alden Williford played intelligently, but wasn't able to pull out the win at five singles. At six, Grant Friedman battled back to win the second set at 6-2 after losing the first set 6-4, but wasn't able to pull out the win, falling 6-2 in the third. After capturing the first set, Nick Tag never looked back and bageled his opponent in the second set for the win. Tommy Meyer rolled in the second set, cruising to a 6-2, 6-3 win at two. At one singles, after losing the second set, Cam Taylor pulled out a gutsy third set match tiebreaker, 12-10.

With little time to waste, we hopped into a van and headed out to UC Riverside to take on D-I University of Nevada. It was a great chance for freshmen Uday Singh and Ramsey Bernard to get some experience at 5 and 6 singles respectively.

Because we were playing on a D-I site, we played with their rules. Mainly, this meant that we were using the 7-point scoring system (1 pt for doubles), and that lets are played. We started the match playing singles first. Unfortunately, Nick Tag had to retire after the first set because of a strained quad, but overall results were impressive, especially considering that it was the first day of the season and the second leg of a back-to-back. After losing the first set, 6-0, Tommy Meyer captured the second 6-3 and jumped out to an 8-3 super-t lead before falling 12-10 at 2 singles. At 5 singles, Uday was on serve until the final game of the first set and fell 6-4, 6-2 displaying flashes of the big game we all know he has. At six, Ramsey Bernard fought hard and played intelligently before losing 6-1, 6-3. When he took control of points, he was able to break his opponent down with his forehand. At 4 singles, Alex Groth displayed his huge serve and forehand, keeping his opponent on his heels and applying an impressive amount of pressure for a freshman in only his second collegiate match. While we weren't able to get on the scoreboard in this match, we were able to prove to ourselves that we can play with absolutely anyone and the experience leaves us hungry to improve for this season.

I am not interested in putting together a weak schedule and propping up our win/loss record. I am more interested in challenging our guys to improve every day, and to view themselves as champions. By starting the season against the #13 ranked D-III team in the country and a D-I opponent, I want our guys comfortable being uncomfortable. We will not be intimidated by any opponent, nor will we look for excuses. We do not seek to define ourselves by the strength or weaknesses of our opponents. Our resolve is internal and our struggle is noble. We have no interest in a false sense of accomplishment, and these tests and challenges early in the season will help us as the season progresses.

Overall, while we have a lot of work ahead of us, we were competitive and fought hard from beginning to end. As we grow more comfortable on the court and improve in doubles, we will have the opportunities to beat anyone in the country. Our journey began successfully today.