As the University Athletic Association Championships are fast approaching, the men’s and women’s tennis teams have only one word on their mind: confidence. After a victorious weekend for both teams against New York University, the Yellowjackets have been gaining momentum for their championship matches.
On Saturday, April 10, the men’s team beat out the NYU Violets with a stunning sweep in doubles play. Doubles partners freshman Austin Armstrong and senior captain Brian Bowman, as well as sophomore Brian Schmeer and junior Daniel Barbash, finished in the No. 1 and 2 spots, respectively, with matching scores of 8-5. At the No. 3 spot, junior Jeff Zink and sophomore Matt Volkov remain undefeated after a come back in their match against NYU. Bowman, Schmeer, Armstrong and Zink also took wins in their singles matches to bring UR a 7-2 win.
After their performance against NYU, their strength in doubles has been apparent, noted by head coach Matthew Nielsen.
‘I have been impressed with the focus and resolve of the men’s team over the past few weeks,” Nielsen said. ‘Earlier in the spring we struggled to win doubles matches, but we have seen tremendous improvement with new pairings.”
The women’s team took the win against NYU seemingly with ease this weekend. The ‘Jackets kept the matches low scoring as they powered through their opponents to a 9-0 sweep. Doubles team freshman Frances Tseng and junior Lia Weiner continued their winning streak at the No. 1 position, as did sophomores Alexandra Goodman and Jamie Bow at No. 2.
The next day, April 11, the women got another win against Ithaca. This 7-2 win brought the women’s regular season to a close with a five game winning streak and an overall record of 12-4 as they go into the UAAs this weekend.
‘We’ve had a very good past couple of weeks as we just had our fifth straight win by beating Ithaca,” Weiner said. ‘Everyone on the team has been working really hard and it has been showing in our results.”
The women’s team is competing in the UAAs in Cleveland, Ohio from April 16-18, while the men will be traveling to Pittsburgh, Pa. for their championship matches from April 23-25. And along with their rackets and tennis balls, they’re bringing their confidence with them.
Olfano is a member of the class of 2012.
