The RPI men’s tennis team played three matches over spring break in Hilton Head, S.C. The Engineers fared well, posting a 2-1 record, losing only a tight 5-4 decision against Division II Merrimack before going on to beat Hampden-Sydney, 5-2, and St. Norbert, 4-3.
“I was impressed with how hard they worked, and that they didn’t give up,” commented RPI head coach Carol Pillsworth. “It was an outstanding effort.”
Rensselaer started the spring break trip with a showdown against Merrimack on March 13. RPI received singles victories from senior Joe Black and sophomores Aashish Kabra and Ranjeet Minocha. Black also teamed up with freshman Ben Rosenthal for a doubles victory. It was not enough, however, as the Warriors squeaked out the victory, 5-4.
Despite the loss, Pillsworth saw a lot of positives. “[Merrimack’s coach] came right out and told me that he had just about all his players on scholarship,” she said. “But we played them tight, it was anybody’s match.”
In addition to playing a stronger opponent, the Engineers were also battling the elements. “We had not been outdoors prior to that match,” commented Pillsworth. “It’s very difficult to go from the Armory floor to playing outdoors. It’s a tremendously different game.”
Two days later, RPI returned to the court to take on Hampden-Sydney. The Engineers dominated their opponents to the tune of a 5-2 win. Rosenthal, Kabra, Minocha, and Black earned singles victories to lead the way. Rensselaer also won two of the three doubles matches to garner the coveted doubles point.
“I always put a lot of emphasis on winning that doubles point,” remarked Pillsworth.
RPI rounded out its spring break voyage on March 17 with a tight 4-3 win over St. Norbert. After dropping the doubles point, the Engineers rallied to win four of the six singles matches. Rosenthal, Kabra, and Minocha were all back in the winner’s circle, while freshman Ed Cullen picked up his first singles victory of his career at the perfect time.
The Liberty League took notice of Minocha’s efforts, naming the Encinitas, Calif., native Performer of the Week.
Overall, Pillsworth was very happy with the results. “I was very pleased,” she said. “We beat two very good teams, both teams that have been to the NCAAs.”
This past week, Rensselaer took on crosstown rival Union and non-league opponent St. John Fisher on Wednesday and Sunday, respectively.
The squad split the matches, dropping a 4-3 heartbreaker to the Dutchmen before stomping the Cardinals 6-1.
Against Union, the Red Hawks were able to capture the coveted doubles point, but only Kabra and Minocha could manage to win their singles matches.
On Sunday, RPI once again took the doubles point, and this time the Engineers also dominated the singles matches. Kabra, senior Joe Byrne, Minocha, Black, and Cullen were all victorious, sealing the win for Rensselaer.
As the season progresses, the Engineers (3-2, 0-1) will look to compete with league powerhouses Skidmore, Vassar, and St. Lawrence in the Liberty League Championships in late April.
“I’d be kidding you if I told you that we belong in the top of our league,” Pillsworth said frankly. “Skidmore, Vassar, and St. Lawrence are very, very strong. The nature of those schools caters to the type of student-tennis players are. They’re not a blue-collar school like we are. They get the country club players, where we come from predominately public schools.”
Pillsworth, however, is very confident in her squad. “I’ll take my kids any day,” she said, “because they’re intelligent and they really work their butts off.”
