Men's, w. tennis set to play Cornell in season finale

It isn't over until it's over, and with just one match left in their respective seasons the men's and women's tennis teams are showing no signs of slowing down as they prepare for Cornell today.

The women's team will have home court advantage as well as one last opportunity to end the season on a strong note in front of its own fans.

"Our last home weekend was a rough one," head coach Louise Gengler said, "so we're looking to make up for it this weekend."

Based on the statistics, it is fairly reasonable to expect the Tigers (9-8 overall, 2-4 Ivy League) to end their season with a win, but the team is trying not to put too much emphasis on the numbers.

"Our record is certainly better than Cornell's going in," Gengler said, "but you can just toss that out the window."

Cornell (2-13, 0-6) has been struggling to get through a season replete with defeats. Coming in dead last in the latest Ivy League rankings, the Big Red seem anything but intimidating. Still, the Tigers are wise not to underestimate their opponent.

Cornell's No. 1 singles player Akane Kokubo will more than likely keep senior Kavitha Krishnamurthy on her toes. Kokubo has been the team's beacon of strength throughout a couple key matches. Most recently she averted a Yale sweep by picking up the Big Red's only point of the match.

The Tigers' bench is young but strong, and boasts substantially more depth than Cornell. A few promising freshman include Alison Hashmall and Neha Uberoi, nationally ranked at No. 80 according to College Tennis Online and playing at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles.

The Tigers' young roster is also complimented by a few seasoned upperclassmen like Krish-namurthy at No. 1 singles and No.1 doubles. This match is also particularly meaningful for Krishnamurthy as it is the last match of her Princeton career.

With its starting players injury-free and at the top of their game, Princeton has many factors working in its favor going into Friday's match.

"The good news is we're probably playing our best tennis of the year," Gengler said. "We'll be at full strength and we're hoping to end the season on a good note."

The men

Victory might not come so easily for the men's team (14-9, 3-3), however, as they travel to Ithaca to face the Big Red.

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Cornell (16-6, 3-3) shares the No. 3 ranking in the league with the Tigers. Friday's match will determine who gets demoted to the No. 4 slot.

The Tigers go into the game prepared and aware of the stakes.

"It's always hard to go away and compete," said freshman Darius Craton. "There's a lot at stake and everyone wants to play well."

Friday's match will also be key for Craton in another way. He and Junior Dan Friedman, who play No. 1 doubles, are being considered for a chance to compete in the NCAA tourney. Their match will be crucial to keep them in the running.

"It's certainly no sure thing that they're going to get picked [to compete in the NCAAs]," said head coach Glenn Michibata, "but Cornell is a must win situation for them to stay in the picture."

Tomorrow's match will also be important for the team's only senior, captain Trevor Smith, who, like Krishnamurthy, will be competing in his final collegiate match.

In comparison to Cornell's roster, Princeton's is fairly young, consisting mainly of underclassmen. Even so, the Tigers' youth has not been a roadblock to the team's success.

The last clash with the Big Red in April 2002 resulted in a 6-1 victory for Princeton, which has been faring only slightly better than its Ithaca counterpart in Ivy League play.

Even with emotions running high, the Tigers remain optimistic.

"We have a good team this year," Craton said. "I think we have a great shot at beating Cornell."