The College's men's tennis team fell on the road, 6-0, to Bates College on Wednesday April 16, while the women's team posted a 6-3 victory over their opponents.
"This year is kind of a rebuilding year with four new starters, but mine and the team's expectations are not wavering," junior Bryan Hanley, who was unable to record a win as the Lions (7-7) were shutout, said. "I expect everyone to improve as the year progresses."
Rookies Kristen Klepacki and Jackie Gavornik both triumphed in singles and doubles play together, as Klepacki picked up her 22nd singles win of the season and is now 16-1 in dual-match singles play at the No. 2 spot.
Gavornik was victorious at third singles and is now 14-3 in dual-match singles play and 18-4 overall in singles action this season.
The Lions (14-3) duo also picked up a win at No. 2 doubles and upped its record to 19-3 overall, including a 15-2 dual-match record.
Senior Kelly Hernandez teamed with junior Kelli Emery to post an 8-3 win at first doubles together. Hernandez is now 39-39 on her career in singles play and 31-30 in doubles action as a four-year letter winner for the Lions squad.
Mules vs. Lions
On Tuesday, both the men's and women's teams fell to Colby College, losing 4-3 and 8-1, respectively.
Klepacki and Gavornik suffered just their third loss of the year at second doubles, while Klepacki picked up the Lions' only win of the day at second singles.
On the men's side, senior Marc Hill picked up a win at first singles and teamed with junior Hanley to record a win at first doubles as well.
Hanley was a winner at second singles, as well, improving to 8-5 on the year in dual-match play and 33-28 in singles play.
"This year I've felt that I've really matured," Hanley said. "I'm playing much better and smarter this year and have really put to use my experiences from the past two years."
"I have always had the talent, but it was the mental part of the game that I lacked," Hanley added. "After two years of playing college tennis, I feel that my game has definitely improved."
