Heading into its match against No. 53 Purdue last Monday, the unranked men's tennis team logically expected a tough fight. As it turned out, Princeton crushed its nationally-ranked opponents, 6-0, starting off its spring break trip to California strong.
The Tigers (9-4 overall) couldn't keep the momentum rolling, however, suffering tough losses to San Diego (8-4) and Utah (12-2), both nationally-ranked squads. Princeton fell to the Toreros, 6-1, on Thursday and was defeated by the Utes, 5-2, on Friday.
Meanwhile, the women's team (4-6) started off with a two-match series in Oregon before finishing up in California. The Tigers nearly pulled off an upset over No. 29 Oregon (12-2) in Eugene last Sunday but ultimately fell by a close 4-3 score. Princeton bounced back on Monday to shut out Portland (5-9) by a 5-0 margin. The Tigers finished up the week at Fresno State (7-5), losing by a 7-0 score, and at No. 18 California (9-3), falling 6-1.
Streak hits seven
With the upset of Purdue, the men's squad extended its winning streak to seven matches. Due to rain, the singles matches were played first, and as it turned out, Princeton's strong performances made the doubles matches unnecessary. The Tigers cruised to victory, winning all six singles competitions. Junior Darius Craton got things started with a straight-set victory at No. 2, winning 6-4, 6-1. Sophomore Sratha Saengsuwarn made quick work of his opponent at No. 3, granting his foe only three games in a 6-3, 6-0 landslide. Juniors Hans Plukas and Shannon Morales won their matches at No. 4 and No. 6 respectively, in straight sets as well. Junior Andrew Lieu held on at No. 5 to win 7-5, 7-5. Only senior co-captain No. 1 Josh Burman's opponent took him to three sets, but Burman came out on top with a 6-7, 6-4, 4-3 (8-6) win.
On Thursday, Princeton faced No. 33 San Diego and fell 6-1, ending the Tigers' streak. Burman and Craton earned a victory at No. 1 doubles against Nic Beuque and Mirza Koristovic, 8-3. Princeton was unable to earn the doubles point, though, as it fell at No. 2 and No. 3. Despite pushing his opponent to a third-set tiebreak, Saengsuwarn was unable to come out on top and instead joined the four Tigers with losses in straight sets. Lieu came away with a three-set victory at No. 5 to give Princeton its lone point.
The next day, the Tigers faced a tough Utah squad. Lieu and Plukas won, 8-3, at No. 2 doubles, but losses at No. 1 and No. 3 gave the doubles point to the Utes. Lieu went on to crush Ryan Scott, 6-2, 6-0, at No. 5 singles. Saengsuwarn, playing No. 3, got the better of Miron Mann and walked away with a 6-4, 6-3 win. Burman and Craton each took a set from their foes at their respective No. 1 and 2 spots, but both were handed third-set losses. Utah left the courts with the 5-2 advantage.
Princeton's match play over the break may not have been a total success, but it did serve as preparation for the weeks ahead.
"We learned some valuable information that will help us in these next few months," freshman Ashwat Sarohia said. "I am excited about this Ivy season. I know this entire team is not going to settle for less that winning the Ivies."
The Tigers open league play on Apr. 1 at home against Penn.
Wild West
The women's team faced tough opposition from a talented Oregon squad and nearly came away with what would have been a huge upset.
Sophomore Joanna Roth earned a straight-set singles victory at No. 4, 6-4, 6-3. Playing No. 3, freshman Christine Kansky held on to top Davina Mendiburu, 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (10-8), and at No. 5 singles, senior Stephanie Berg also managed a tiebreak victory over Monica Hoz de Vila.
Though Roth and sophomore Darcy Robertson came through with a difficult 9-7 win at the No. 2 doubles position, the Ducks still won the doubles point and three singles matches, giving them the 4-3 victory.
Princeton found its rhythm on Monday against Portland. Berg and junior Jessica Seibel earned the victory at No. 1 doubles, along with Robertson and Roth at No. 2. Junior Laura Trimble and freshman Brittany Holland won at No. 3, 9-7. Roth had an easy time downing her foe at No. 3 singles, 6-0, 6-1.
Trimble let Lindsey Griffin escape with only three games at No. 6 in a straight-set win. Berg dropped only four games in her victory at No. 5. Kansky, playing No. 2, defeated Sanja Indic 6-1, 6-4, and Robertson won a three-setter at No. 1.
The team was unable to complete the week with victories as it fell hard to No. 43 Fresno State and No. 18 California. The Tigers were unable to steal a match against the Bulldogs, but both Kansky and Trimble took their singles opponents to third-set tiebreaks.
The Golden Bears, led by Suzi Babos, who is ranked fifth nationally, also made things difficult for Princeton, but Robertson and Roth did win at No. 2 doubles. Kansky also defeated Monica Weisener at No. 3 singles, 6-4, 4-6, (10-7).
The Tigers face their last non-Ivy opponents this week at home against Rutgers and George Washington before heading to Penn to start conference play.
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