The men's tennis team (5-2, No. 11 in D-III) returned from its two-week stay in San Clemente, California in good shape and on a three-match win streak. Southern California was an ideal location for the players, who were able to catch Andy Roddick, Josh Isner, and Marty Fish in action at the BNP Paribas Open and even attend a Los Angeles Lakers game.
"The team was in high spirits," said Stephen Sullivan '11, who won all but one match at the No. 1 singles position. Waking up each day to the beach set an upbeat tone for the Polar Bears, who spent the sunny days working hard and practicing, as well as spending time together in hopes of greater cohesiveness as a team.
Bowdoin started its competition on the right note by winning the first match against University of Texas-Tyler 5-4, but lost 8-1 against defending national champions Washington University in St. Louis, ranked No. 2 nationally. First year Oscar Pena was able to generate the sole Bowdoin win at the No. 2 singles position even after losing the first set 6-0. The doubles teams were not so lucky, and were still looking for their first wins after the two matches.
The team was revamped for the next match against No. 16 Carnegie Mellon, winning all three doubles matches. Following Sullivan's win at No. 1 singles, Pena, Tyler Anderson '10, and senior co-captain Alex Caughron all came through with impressive straight-set victories to set the final score at 7-2.
However, the Polar Bears couldn't sustain the momentum, falling to No. 13 Redlands University 6-3. Senior co-captain Alex White won at No. 3 singles after losing 6-1 in the first set, with Bowdoin gaining two more victories from a doubles match and the No. 1 singles spot.
The team cruised through the remaining three matches over break, winning 8-1 against Salisbury, 7-2 over Pomona College, and 5-4 in a conference win over Trinity College. The match against Trinity was incredibly close, with Pena coming through in No. 2 singles after losing the first set and being down 5-2 in the second. Jamie Neely '10, Sullivan, and the doubles team notched wins. The score was tied at 4-4 before Anderson came through at No. 5 singles, cheered on by enthusiastic Polar Bear fans.
Reflecting on the trip, Sullivan thinks that the team bonded well over break.
"We do have a pretty big freshmen base this year, but spring break has really helped unite the team," he said.
Coach Colin Joyner feels the same, stating that "the team is overall very well balanced." However, one area of work for the Polar Bears is doubles play, which still needs refinement. Upcoming challenges include Middlebury and Williams College, but the team will have enough time to build momentum.
This Sunday, Bowdoin will take on Connecticut College at 10 a.m. at home.