Amid a couple of cancellations, both the men’s and women’s tennis teams were able to pick up wins this past week as the season is coming to a close. The women started with a victory against New York University by the score of 6-3, while the men beat up on Muhlenberg College 8-1.
The men were too much to handle for the Mules. Despite senior Howard Telson losing in first singles, the team won in every other match, along with Telson pairing with sophomore Pierce Cooper for an 8-2 doubles victory.
“I was really proud of the way the other guys stepped up and contributed,” Telson said. “It was great to see that even when I had an off day, I knew I could count on my team to pick me up and pull out a good win.”
Cooper won his singles match 6-2, 6-2, and the rest of the College’s singles bouts went their way. Sophomore Dan Presuto, freshman Mike Stanley, junior Ezra Klemow and junior Andrew Grossman earned points. Stanley teamed with sophomore Billy Buchbinder to nab an 8-2 win in second doubles, while Grossman and Presuto shut out the Mules in third doubles.
The only match of the week for the women on Wednesday, April 16, saw the power of two on display for the Lions. The College won all three of their doubles matches, which was ultimately the difference in the 6-3 win.
The sophomore duo of Jasmine Muniz-Cadorette and Emma Allen blanked their first doubles opponent, 8-0. The freshman-senior pairing of Katie Buchbinder and Tara Criscuolo won handily, 8-1. Finally, junior Sarah Lippincott and freshman Anna Prestera finished off the job in third doubles, 8-4.
Criscuolo, Allen and Prestera were all able to pick up singles victories as well in third, fourth and fifth singles, showing the depth of the team. Criscuolo and Allen steamrolled the competition by scores of 6-1, 6-1 and 6-0, 6-1, respectively. Prestera had a bit of a tougher time with her match going to a third set, but she got the job done.
The match scheduled for Thursday, April 17, against Muhlenberg College was postponed.
With the season winding down and the postseason coming into view, both teams are incredibly focused. Even more so is Telson — who after playing four years at the College and reaching several milestones will settle for nothing less than a strong finish.
“Mainly to just make the most of it and really enjoy these last couple weeks with the team,” Telson said about what his focus is on going forward. “It’s been a great ride and I’m hoping we could finish this year strong with a trip to nationals and a good showing there.”
Being on the team for four years has certainly taught Telson a thing or two. As a college athlete, he’s experienced a journey that not many students do and has gotten a lot out of it.
“I’ve really learned that it’s not much at all about what you’re doing, but it’s who you’re doing it with that’s important,” Telson said. “I have a tough time remembering most of my matches and practices, but I’ll never forget the people I went through them with. I’ve had the best teammates and coaches I could’ve asked for, and luckily those relationships are something I (can) take with me even after I graduate.”
