As mentioned in the CMU Spring Break preview as well as some of the other previews, we have decided to explore some different formats for previewing matches this year. This will be the first installation of a typical Q&A type format between the writers as we try and go more in-depth when huge intra-regional matches are happening. The first big-time match to look out for this week will be that of #12 Carnegie Mellon (composite rank) visiting #13 Redlands. As mentioned, this is going to have a ton of impact on the Pool C landscape and we all know how important direct wins are to the NCAA committee. These two teams haven’t played in almost 4 years now, so it should be very interesting to see the teams face off once again. Now, straight to the first ever Q&A preview.
D3West: AS, I would say that we typically characterize these two teams as perennial underachievers, but, mathematically, one of these teams has to win the match. What do you think the keys to the match are?
D3AS: First off, West, I would like to say how much I admire your work. You’re a great writer and one of the top in the game right now. But, I digress. I think there are several keys to the match here for CMU, but that may differ for the Bulldawgs. The #1 thing I have been so curious to see from CMU is their doubles play. CMU has moved back to a singles formula with their talented recruits, but it’s not just talent that teaches good doubles to a team. The Tartans have a solid #1 team but after that seems to be a hodge-podge of players that need to find a good team chemistry to really lock up some spots. My second key to the match will be the bottom of the lineup, particularly #5 and #6. Again, the two players in these spots Kirkov/Zheng at #5 and Kumar/Wadwani at #6 will be really counted upon. CMU can’t always rely on their strong top 3 to win matches. These two spots will be unknowns heading into this match and with them and doubles, that could swing a match in Redlands favor.
West, I know that the Dawgs seem to have a pretty solid team top to bottom. What would you say the strengths and weaknesses are in their lineup, and how might that match up with the Tartans?
D3West: Oh. We’re really doing this thing, ESPN style, huh? Well, I would have to say that my work pales in comparison to your impressive commitment to quality DIII reporting, and I would also like to take this opportunity to plug D3AS’s new blog, www.division3tennis.com. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?
Anyways, judging from Indoors, it looks like doubles and the top of the singles lineup is going to be the strength for Redlands this year. They managed to take a lead over Emory in the 5th place, and were very close to doing the same against Wash U in the first round. They were also competitive at the top of the singles ladder against all three teams, with Lipscomb going 3 against Ruderman and Putterman, and Cummins basically doing the same against those two teams’ respective #2’s. As far as the match up with the Tartans goes, I would say this this doesn’t bode particularly well for the Bulldogs. Redlands could/should take a 2-1 lead in doubles, but if Alla beats Lipscomb, I don’t know where the Dawgs are going to find three more wins, even if Cummins wins at #2. Redlands may have solved some of their depth problems by moving Graham “The Clincher” Leahy into #6 singles, but 4-6 singles is still cause for concern for the Bulldogs. Which one of those positions would you say is the weakest for CMU? And do you think there’s any chance at all that Redlands sweeps the doubles here? That might be their only chance at winning.
D3AS: Ah, a double question in your paragraph. Who do you think I am? I agree that this is going to be a tough match for the Bulldawgs, especially after seeing the very solid performance that CMU brought today. Their doubles is a lot better than I thought, so it seems. Out of the #4-6 singles positions, it’s really a tough call to say who is the weakest. At #5, Zheng has been great all year dating back to ITA’s. His win today against Savage was pretty impressive. Even more impressive was the comprehensive win by Kiril Kirkov (another freshman) over Wolstencroft who we all know is very good. Process of elimination tells me Wadwani, who was just inserted into the lineup, is the weakest link. That seems to be Redlands weakest link too, perhaps? Also, I like to open a can of tuna fish and rub it over my body. In terms of doubles, a sweep is definitely possible. But I said the same thing about the Bowdoin match and look where that got me. In my mind it’s really tough to sweep a team as talented as CMU in three pro-sets. CMU’s #1 team pulled out a good one today and Heaney-Secord/Duncan are two top players. I see Redlands with a potential 2-1 lead, but not a sweep. Which spells trouble for the Dawgs. I saw recently that Burchett and Suchodolski switched spots for Redlands. What do you think about that move, and what are it’s implications for this match?
D3West: I think it was a good move that nearly paid off double against Mary Wash, as Suchodolski won in straights at #3, and Bruchett nearly pulled it out at 4. As far as this match goes, I’m not sure that will matter. You gotta like Suchodolski at #3, but, as you pointed out, Duncan is just such a solid, proven winner at that position (despite the loss to Bowdoin) that it’s hard to go against him. That could actually end up being the swing match, however, as I think you are wrong about Redlands’ weaker position in the bottom 3 being at #6 singles. I think that was true before the switch to Leahy “The Clincher,” but things are a bit different now. If you think Wadwani is relatively weak at the bottom of the lineup, that’s where Redlands could get an upset. And with that, I think it’s about that time. Give me your match-by-match, please!
D3AS: Damn, already going for a match by match. Do you always finish early? Starting with doubles, I think CMU really showed us something against Bowdoin and Stevens and like I said, it’ll be really hard to sweep them. I think CMU has the edge at #1 doubles despite RU having Lipscomb there, so I’ll go with the Tartans. Redlands should have the edge at #2 as that CMU team may be a little misplaced. At #3 is my swing match of doubles, as the #3 team of Okuda/Kirkov has really shown me something lately. Before I pick it, does anyone realize that CMU currently has three “doubles specialists” in the lineup right now? Crazy. Either way, I’m going to go RU in a very very close swing match here, 9-8. I like the experience that Redlands team has already gotten this year. Onto singles, this is where CMU should again take control. They should be confident after their latest win but Redlands at home is a different type of beast. Luckily, they’ve got the talent. I have Alla at #1 in a 6-3, 6-4 victory – Lipscomb hasn’t played anyone as weird as Alla before I’m pretty sure. At the bottom of the lineup, I like #4 and #5 for CMU as well. Kirkov eased through Wolstencroft and Burchett of RU has been struggling a little I believe. Zheng at #5 for CMU is looking like he could be a top 5 player at that spot, especially with his ITA performance. That’s already 4 points for CMU – the problem for Redlands is that it doesn’t look like they have any sure spots. #2, #3 and #6 are all going to be close. I haven’t seen Heaney-Secord go on many losing streaks and he’ll be a little angry after his loss to Trinka in a super. I’m taking CMU. At #3, I can assure you Duncan will come out firing. Suchodolski (#RollDawgs) is on the ascent, but again I don’t think Duncan loses two straight matches. I assume Lord grinded him down and frustrated him. Sucho can’t do the same. I’m going to take Duncan at #3, but go with Leahy on your word at #6. Overall, a 6-3 victory for the Tartans. What are your thoughts?
D3West: As a matter of fact, I do finish early, and I’m very self-conscious about it, so I would rather you not bring it up. Back to THE MATCH. You touched on it, but I think the one thing you haven’t really considered much yet is the home court advantage. As impressive as CMU’s wins have been, they haven’t had to compete on someone’s home court yet, and Redlands’ home court is a tough one. Either way, the Tartans have been a little too impressive for me to actually pick Redlands, but I don’t think those positions you mentioned are as much of slam dunks for CMU as you think they are. The big one is Cummins at #2. I think he wins for the Dawgs. Just look at his last couple results. In any case, I agree completely with your take on doubles, and I think that #3 doubles match could end up deciding the match. I give the edge to Redlands at #2 doubles, and #2 singles with possible wins at #3 doubles, #4 singles, and #6 singles. They need everything to go right to win the match, but I don’t think they’re going to get it done today, especially since they should be a little tired from their battle with Trinity, which is happening today. (Shameless plug for my region!). In the end, I think it’s a 5-4 win for the Tartans with wins at all the odd numbered positions.
D3AS: Well, looks like that wraps it up for another Double-Take in what has been a huge week #ForTheBlog. It’s going to be an exciting match tomorrow despite today’s result for the Bulldogs, in fact it might have helped Redlands that they didn’t have to duke it out with the Tigers. CMU can essentially book an NCAA trip if they get a win here and don’t implode the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to following the CMU Twitter tomorrow for some of the best updates in DIII Tennis. And remember, if you’re rooting ASouth… #BreakingPlaid.
u win the google doc prank war this time, d3west. i’ll be back for you.