Momentum continues to build for a men’s tennis team that has started its 2013-14 season with multiple wins. The recent success at the 2013 Saint Francis Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s All-American Championship was matched as the team again came out victorious last weekend at the ITA Mountain Regionals in Las Vegas, thanks to dominant play from star sophomore Henry Craig.
The team came out prepared and ready to play, showing their poise and resolve from the very start, according to Head Coach Danny Westerman.
“They earned every win. They are off to a great start and it’s because they are working hard, practicing every day,” said Westerman.
Consistent play produced a tournament high 21 wins overall for the team, compared to just 10 losses overall.
Leading the way was ninth-seeded Craig, who accounted for six of those wins, following a first round bye. His final victory came on Sunday when he defeated the fourth-seeded Sam Iftikhar (University of New Mexico) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the Men’s Open Singles Finals. After being down 1-4 in the opening set and losing it 3-6, Craig was able to regain his composure and battle back, winning the final two sets comfortably.
“He came out nervous. I think inexperience affected him early, but he was able to bounce back and played extremely well the rest of the way,” Westerman said.
With this win, Craig qualified to compete at the National Indoor Championships in Flushing, N.Y., a site that also hosts the U.S. Open.
Because of the team’s depth, Craig was forced to play against teammate Alex Gasson in the semifinals in order to reach the finals.
“Coaches weren’t on the court for that one. We decided the best thing to do was to just let the two of them play, though neither played their best,” said Westerman.
Despite defeat, the freshman Gasson played extremely well, exceeding expectations as the No. 17 seed.
“Alex Gasson surprised the most. Being that he is a freshman, his progression and development impress me every time he takes the court,” added Westerman.
Following an even shorter week off, the team will be heading out to Minneapolis to compete at the Minnesota Invitational starting this Thursday, Oct. 31.
