Tennis team wraps up season with a win in by Lloyd Dauber Collegaian Staff The Behrend Tennis Team has seen its ups and downs all season. It came as a relief to end the season with a victory. The Lions were 5-8 entering the season ending tournament in Rochester, N.Y. they faced some tough competition throughout the weekend, losing their first three matches. However, they found the will left to come out on top in their final match of the season. First round opponent Oneanta blanked the Netters 5-0. Next came the rare power of R.I.T. The Netters could muster but a single victory in that match which ended with a final score of 4-1. Sophomore co-caption, Art Faix earned this victory with what Coach Keenan described as "the greatest match Art has ever played." "I just felt like I had complete control over the ball; I could do no wrong," spoke Faix about his overpowering 6-1, 6-2 victory. I got it! Unidentified Behrend players shag fly balls before a recent game Bad weather then forced the Lions indoors to unfamiliar territory to face St. John Fisher. "These are the fastest courts I've ever seen. It feels like were playing on a sheet of ice," described Wes Miller of the indoor facilities. Feroz Rahman was the only Behrend Netter to overcome the adverse court conditions and earn a victory. "I feel that my international experience of playing on different surfaces helped me to gain this victory," explained the well traveled ,Behrend Netter. The Lions again suffered a 4-1 defeat, dropping the Lions to 5-11 on the year. The Netters then had the entire night to think about their final match. "We had a serious team meeting the last night in Rochester. We addressed a lot of the problems we were facing and it gave us a chance to grow together as team, put the past behind us, and resolve to finish the season on a high note," claimed Keenan. The renewed team, entered their final match with a killer instinct unmatched by any other team of mere tennis players. They knew their task work was cut out for them facing the always strong team from Elmira. "Once Art won His match I knew we were going to pull through: his win gave me the confidance I needed to continue." Faix quickly posted a rousing 6- Rahman finished off the Elmiraites 2, 6-1 victory that gave the rest of with a three set marathon, and Mike the Netters all the confidence they Stadfield and Phil Defabio added a needed. "Once Art won his match I doubles win to raise the score to 4- knew we were going to pull lin favor of the Lions. Hit and Run! Senior outfielder Quinn McGuire smashes a groundball during a recent home game. McGuire is steadily moving up in the record books as his career comes to a close. through; his win gave me the confidence I needed to continue," described Miller. Miller came through with a 6-3, 6-4 victory. The Netters need only one more win to secure victory. --Wes Miller This ended the Behrend Men's tennis season with a record of 6-11. The young team now must look to the future. Next year the Lions are returning six of its top eight players. This should ensure a steady improvement of the team. With such a bright future ahead, Coach Keenan had nothing but encouraging words to say, "We may have struggled a little this year, but we learned a lot and are in a position to rise to a new level of excellence next season." Top Ten Reasons, Excuses and Quotes that suggest Behrend Tennis had a successful season although they finished 6-11 10. Have you ever tried to hit a fuzzy yellow ball at eight o'clock in the morning? 9. Took half of the season to realize that "Love" was a bad score to have 8. Got a great tan in South Carolina Rochester 7. "This team should be no problem," Chuck Keenan 6. Were often distracted by the beautiful Erie weather during the spring months. 5. "What kind of sick team is this'?" Feroz Rahman 4. Accidently brought Badminton equipment to all away matches. 3. Learned valuable lesson: Never underestimate the power of a team from Ohio. 2. Three words: Free Grip Tape I. "You mean we have to play at 8 a.m.'? I hope it rains!" Phil "Mr. Class Act" Defabio
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