The RPI men’s tennis team (7-0) capped off GM Week with yet another win, defeating Oneonta State 4-3 on the Sharp Courts. Thus far, RPI has already more than doubled its total number of wins from last season, and appears on track heading into the most difficult part of the season.
The four points for Rensselaer were obtained by junior Joe Byrne and freshman Aashish Kabra at second doubles (8-2), senior Amadeus Lopez and freshman Ranjeet Minocha at third doubles (8-2), senior captain Mike Heligman at first singles (6-3, 5-4 ret.), junior Joe Black at fifth singles (6-3, 6-4), and Lopez playing at sixth singles (6-2, 6-0).
The Liberty League has taken notice of Rensselaer’s impressive run so far this year, as well as the convincing performances given by several of its players. Lopez was named Co-Performer of the Week for his 4-0 record in play against Hamilton on April 5 and Oneonta State. Minocha was also named Co-Rookie of the Week for his 3-1 record against the same two teams.
The team was scheduled to face Manhattanville on Saturday at home, but that match was postponed for reasons unavailable at press time.
The next few matches will most likely be the most challenging that the team has faced, or will face. RPI faces Hartwick at home this afternoon, and is scheduled to face St. Lawrence on Friday. Clarkson comes to the Sharp Courts on Saturday, and the Red Hawks will travel to Saratoga Springs to face Skidmore on Tuesday.
SLU and Skidmore are considered two of the better teams in the Liberty League this year, and could pose the team’s most difficult task of the season. According to Black, however, “We’ve beaten teams (Union) that have beaten most of the other teams, but I still think St. Lawrence will be tough.”
This afternoon’s match against Hartwick begins at 4 pm on Sharp Courts.
