#34 Harvard Men's Tennis (19-6): News and Views
In this issue:
Crimson beats Bulldogs and Bears 5-2
Dartmouth Rivalry this Saturday
Harvard vs. Yale
This past Friday, HMT travelled south on I-84 into the Bulldogs lair for the oldest of rivalries. We had several legendary alums on hand, including Tim Hartch ('92) and Billy Stanley ('87) lending their support to the cause. It was a rough start in doubles where Yale jumped on us from the opening bell with wins at #1 and #3. Trailing 1-0 in the team score, the singles began with an improved focus and intensity. At #2, Nicky Hu let loose a flurry of winners from his heavy forehand and strong one-handed backhand to notch the first win for the visitors. Big boy (6' 5") Sebastian Beltrame put Harvard ahead at #3 with a straight set win, using his serve and forehand to control the court. After Denis Nguyen was ambushed by Yale's terrific sophomore, Tyler Lu at the top singles spot, senior captain Alex Steinroeder would put us up 3-1 with a crafty win in the third set. (Alex' game is what my old coach Lawrence Klieger termed the "veggie-matic" – relying on slices, dices, chops, cuts… Alex has a big forehand and fantastic touch around the net. But he is most known for his Tilden-esque backhand and forehand slices – indeed a lost art! He finds a way to make his opponent uncomfortable with balls out of their strike zone, whether with an arching moon ball or deft angle drop shot.) Freshman Kenny Tao would wrap up the day with a three-set win at #6 to secure a 5-2 victory.
Harvard vs. Brown
Back in Cambridge last Sunday, the Crimson faced off on Senior Day against the Brown Bears. After re-jiggering the doubles line-up, we finally won a doubles point in convincing fashion 3-0. With a one point lead, the singles would quickly fall in our favor with straight set wins at #2, #5, #6. Senior Co-Captain Alex Steinroeder clinched the win for the Crimson. The remaining matches would all be close. Denis Nguyen eked out a win against a tough senior at #1, but we dropped close matches at #3 and #4, to finish with a 5-2 victory.
Crimson vs. Big Green
This Saturday is our final match of the regular season is against Dartmouth in Hanover at 2pm. Harvard in second place, Dartmouth tied with Cornell for third place. NCAA and bragging rights at stake! Stay tuned!
Our four seniors: Chaudhuri, Steinroeder, Nguyen and Steer! We'll miss you!
And a group photo in front of New Haven's famous pizza place, Pepe's! I'm still chewing!
Scott Mead Family Head Coach of Men's Tennis
Harvard University Dept of Athletics
Murr Center
65 N. Harvard St.
Boston, MA 02163
fish@fas.harvard.edu
GoCrimson Men's Tennis website
Harvard Men's Tennis blog
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