Coming off a successful fall season, the men's tennis team began their spring campaign on a high note. The team picked up four wins while dropping just one match over spring break.
After sneaking by Brandeis in Waltham, Mass., 5-4, the Jumbos traveled to California, where they posted 8-1 victories over Occidental and Babson, as well as a 7-2 win against Chapman. Though Tufts fell short against NESCAC rival Amherst, currently ranked No. 19 nationally, the players are confident that the trip gave them the momentum needed to carry their spirits going forward.
"This trip really helped the team gel as a cohesive group," senior tri-captain Andrew Lutz said. "We knew it would be tough [to play] five matches in a week but we continue to learn from all of our matches, both wins and losses, to help us become better every day."
After dispatching the Judges, Tufts began its trip by taking on Chapman in Orange, Calif. Despite battling start-of-the- season nerves, coach Jaime Kenney's squad easily took care of its opponent, taking five of six singles matches and two of three doubles matches.
In the victory, the team showed a greater sense of resilience and mental focus than in the past, which was apparent to the coaching staff.
"What I'm most impressed with is that my guys have been able to keep the pressure on their opponents, even when they are behind, or miss a shot, or their opponent comes up big," Kenney said. "Their ability to stay in it, and be ready for an opportunity is really the big difference this year."
Following the win over the Panthers, the Jumbos faced off against perennial NESCAC power Amherst. While Tufts hasn't defeated Amherst since the 2003-'04 season, the match last Wednesday gave Kenney's players a taste of the stiff in-conference competition they will have to overcome throughout the spring.
"Amherst was a great opportunity to see where we need to be and how hard we have to work to be amongst the best in the country," Kenney said. "And it's within reach. We all believe that and trust each other to get us there."
"Amherst is clearly a very deep team with a lot of talent. However, we are too," Lutz added. "We hung tough with [the Lord Jeffs] in many matches, and we know we are right there with the likes of good NESCAC competition like Trinity, Bates and Bowdoin."
While the Jumbos struggled against the Lord Jeffs, freshman Rob Jacobson shone. He took the team's only two victories, winning in the No. 6 singles match and No. 1 doubles, where he was paired with senior Ben Barad.
Tufts rebounded quickly following that first loss, taking home wins against both Occidental and Babson by seven-match margins. In both affairs, the Jumbos dropped just one singles match.
Now 5-1 overall in 2013, Kenney and company will return to Medford in hopes of continuing to succeed in one of the nation's toughest conferences. With the start of the NESCAC schedule around the corner, the Jumbos have high aspirations coming off of the trip.
"My goal for the team has always been to make NCAAs," Lutz said. "I knew we would have the talent with the new freshmen breaking into the lineup, and I think the team did a really diligent job in the offseason to come into [the season] prepared. We hope we can make NESCACs, crack the top 20, and hopefully make NCAAs."
For Kenney in particular, the whole season has and will continue to be a growing process. Success will be a byproduct of continued focus and daily improvement, which she expects even after such a successful week, she said.
"For me, spring break has been less about momentum and more about building confidence and trust," Kenney said. "Confidence that if we work hard and compete well, the wins will continue to come."
With the early season matches officially in the books, the Jumbos will begin the main portion of their NESCAC schedule Saturday at home against Bates.
