Following deep runs into the NCAA tournament last spring, both the men’s and women’s tennis teams hit the courts this past weekend for the first tournaments of the season.
The men’s team was among seven schools competing in the Stony Brook Invitational Tournament. Head Coach Connor Smith said the tournament was a rare opportunity to play against teams outside the NESCAC, as most of their season games will be played within the conference.
Sophomores Doug Caplan and Kyle Wolstencroft both had standout performances, sweeping doubles in Flight A, the top of two doubles levels. In Flight A singles, Caplan made it to the semifinals. Wolstencroft won his flight in singles and finished the weekend undefeated.
“I think we did better at the tournament this year and I think the competition of this year’s tournament was stronger compared to last year’s,” said Smith. “We’re headed in the right direction.”
In two weeks, the men’s tennis team will set off for their next tournament, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Invitational at Williams College.
The women’s team began their season in Williamstown at the Morehouse Invitational, competing against Skidmore, Vassar, and NESCAC rivals Williams and Middlebury. The tournament was essentially an exhibition match and because of that, no overall winner was announced.
“It was a really good chance to get an idea of where people are at and where they can improve,” said Emma Chow ’15.
The women’s next tournament is at the University of Pennsylvania September 21. The team sees it as an opportunity to train for play in 2013, as Bowdoin will not encounter Division I teams in competitive matches until late in the season.
“The fall is all about improving for the spring,” Chow said.