The RPI women’s tennis team traveled 600 miles last week, playing in road matches against Hartwick on Thursday and Clarkson on Saturday. The Engineers were no worse for the wear, however, as they defeated both opponents 7-1 and 8-1, respectively.

Freshman phenom Progga Das led the way for Rensselaer. Not only did Das have an undefeated record in her singles and doubles matches against both schools, the Orangeburg, N.Y., native also lost only two games in head-to-head competition, enjoying three 6-0 set victories.

With the wins, RPI improves to 2-0 in dual matches and 4-1 overall. The Engineers will look to tally more marks in the victory column this week with an away match against Russell Sage on Thursday and a home bout versus Stevens Tech. on Sunday.

Fifth place finishes for men’s golf

The RPI men’s golf team started off its season in a hurry last weekend with two tournaments practically on top of each other. The Red Hawks competed in the Blazer Invitational in Chicopee, Mass., on Friday, and then turned around and took part in the two-day Skidmore Invitational on Sunday and Monday. The squad fared well, placing fifth out of nine in Chicopee and fifth out of 13 at Skidmore.

A particular bright spot for Rensselaer was the play of its freshmen, Matt Neeley and Erik Thomas. In the Blazer Invitational, both competitors shot nine-over-par rounds of 80, good for third on the team and 17th overall. Thomas and Neeley came out hot again at the Skidmore tournament as the duo finished 1-2 for RPI and 11th and 16th overall with two-day totals of 149 and 151, respectively. The Liberty League recognized Neeley as its Rookie of the Week.

The Red Hawks are back in action this weekend at the two-day Duke Nelson Invitational in Middlebury, Vt. The squad will be looking to build on last year’s 10th place finish.

Homecoming 2005 on the way

RPI’s homecoming festivities will take place this weekend from September 15-19. A highlight of the weekend will be the Athletic Department Hall of Fame inductions. This year’s inductees include Doug Drumm ’93, Bob Ducatte, Krishaun Gilmore ’98, Joe Juneau ’91, Patrick O’Brien ’96, Larina Suker ’00, Matt Vittengl ’00, and Bethany Weiser ’98.

New athletics website unveiled

Athletic Director Ken Ralph and the RPI athletic department recently released a new website for Rensselaer sports. The new site, located at http://www.rpiathletics.com/, is still under construction, but boasts new features including player biographies, interactive polls, and improved action photography.