Stags, Hens, & Others: A Stag-Hen Preview

Yo. D3West here. Now, this preview won’t be highlighted on tennisrecruiting, and we won’t be having seven separate articles for this tournament, but the Stag-Hen Invitational is clearly the marquee event of DIII Tennis Spring Break, and some would argue that it is on par with DIII Indoors in terms of competition. For comparison’s sake, DIII Indoors featured the teams ranked #1, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #11, and #16 in the rankings. The Stag-Hen has #1, #3, #6, #8, #9, #13, #15, and #35 (though Wesleyan may well be in the top 15 by the end of the year). Someone remind me to go back and see which tournament ended up having the best overall rankings.

I digress. This year, the field features the four top ranked teams in the West region, so you know I’m getting on the action. It also features three of the four top ranked teams in the Central, so Grampa Grumpsters is going to be joining me for this one. If only we could kick Wesleyan out and get the Maroons down to Claremont, we would have a bonafide interregional slugfest, which I think we would all love to see. Nevertheless, we will have to tolerate upstart Cardinals in the festivities. (In all seriousness, this weekend represents an enormous opportunity for Wesleyan as they try to sneak their way into the Pool C picture, but you can read about all that separately).

Without further ado, let’s get to the matchups. The teams will be listed by seed with their national ranking in parentheses. The seeds are determined by end-of-season ranking from 2014, so sometimes things get a bit goofy.

First round

#1 Seed CMS (#3) vs. #8 Seed Wesleyan (#35)

D3West’s take: This match does not merit a match-by-match preview. Wesleyan is one match into their very young season, we have no idea what CMS’ lineup will look like, and it shouldn’t be terribly competitive. CMS seems to have found three doubles teams that they like in Wood/Dorn, Butts/Mork, and Marino/Mehall. Personally, I would put someone else with Marino, but it’s always nice to have a doubles lineup with three seniors and two juniors. Those three teams should sweep the young Cardinals, and CMS will be able to put the match away quickly at the bottom of the singles lineup. There could be an interesting match between Chen and Wood/Butts at the top of the lineup, but it shouldn’t be a factor in the final team score. See the Wesleyan Spring Break article for more info on the Cardinals. We’ll be doing a full finals preview, which will hopefully give us a chance to do a more thorough analysis of the CMS lineup. Looking forward to watching these guys with the dulcet tones of the Quazz tickling my tympanic membrane!

Prediction: CMS def. Wesleyan 8-1

D3Central’s Take: Unfortuantely because this one involves no teams in my region, they aren’t going to get a match by match preview. But if today’s results are an indication that the Wesleyan train may have stalled at the station, I don’t see CMS having too much trouble. It is next to impossible to not talk about the incredible talent that the Stags have. Wesleyan is young and talented, but they need some more time to develop to the college game. I agree with West in that this match will finish 8-1 with one standout performance from a newbie.

Prediction: CMS over Wesleyan 8-1

D3AS’s Prediction: CMS def. Wesleyan 9-0 (yea, I think CMS is that good)

D3NE’s Prediction: CMS def. Wesleyan 7-2 (with at least one coming in a super)

#3 Seed Wash U (#6) vs. #6 Seed Kenyon (#8)

D3West’s Take: Not my region, not my problem. As well as the Lords have been battling, Kenyon has been looking particularly vulnerable this break, and, even though they’ll be rested, it’s really tough for me to pick them over Wash U. The Bears should be too deep overall, and I think they’ll get a 6-3 win with victories at #1 doubles, #3 doubles, #2 singles, #4 singles, #5 singles, and #6 singles.

D3 Central’s Take: Ah the rematch! Wash U and Kenyon met in the first round of Indoors and Wash U eeked out a 5-4 win that came down to the last match. I was surprised at that result as well as Kenyon’s overall results at Indoors. Kenyon has had a long week of matches leading up to the Stag Hen with some questionable performances (barely beating Cruz 5-4). Here is my match by match thoughts:

Doubles: At the top spot, I think Putterman and Bush are catching their stride even though they lost in a breaker to Case Western. Geier and Rosensteel are a good team as well and this could go both ways, but I have to lean on the fresher Wash U Bears (#1 Wash U 8-5). Kenyon has changed up their lineup a bit moving Heerboth and Haas to two doubles and Hazlett and Turlington to three. I like this move and think it gives them a better chance to get two of three. Kenyon is favored at three for sure which makes 2 dubs a swing match (#2 Wash U 9-7; #3 Kenyon 8-6). I lean ever so slightly towards Wash U giving them the 2-1 lead into singles.

1 Singles: Carswell vs. Geier/Heerboth: Kenyon has been doing a little flip flop with Geier and Heerboth so I am unsure who will play. I think they Lords need to put Wade here as I would favor him over Carswell. Geier is a coin flip since it seems Carswell is somewhat back to form with his win over Krimbill. Heerboth wins 7-5, 6-4

2 Singles: Putterman vs. Geier: Putterman ran through Geier at Indoors and I don’t expect this to be much different. He is coming off a great win over Drougas so I think he will have his way over Geier once again. Putterman wins 6-3, 6-2

3 Singles: Kratky vs. Turlington: In the first tangle between this too, Turlington came out on top over a cramping Kratky. Turlington is playing well without question, but I like Kratky to avenge his loss albeit in a close match. Kratky wins 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

4 Singles: Bush vs. Rosensteel: Rosensteel didn’t play the first time around so the last three matches will be new guys playing one another. That’s good for Kenyon, but it won’t make a difference as Wash U’s depth is just too good. Rosensteel may pose a bigger threat, but Bush is really good. Bush wins 6-4, 7-5

5 Singles: Wu vs. Huber: Huber lost his spot at 4 as Rosensteel has risen above him. I definitely think this is a better spot for him, but Johnny Wu is a straight stud. Outdoors only helps his grind them out style and he shouldn’t have much issue taking down Kenyon here. Wu wins 6-4, 6-3.

6 Singles: Chu vs. Thrailkill: Big D has come up with some big matches for the Lords at 6, but Chu is the best of the best. I think it will be a bit closer than Chu running through Haas at Indoors, but I still think the big game from Chu is too much for Thrailkill. Chu wins 6-4, 6-4

So that makes my prediction Wash U over Kenyon 7-2 (yeah I still think Indoors was a fluke!)

D3AS’s Prediction: Kenyon def. Wash U, 5-4 (yeah, I did it)

D3NE’s Prediction: Wash U def. Kenyon, 6-3

#2 Seed Trinity (#1) vs. #7 Seed Whitman (#13)

D3West’s take: Well, my opinion of things has to change at least a little bit after today’s loss to CMU. Trinity had been looking vulnerable, but I always had complete faith that they would come through when they needed to. Spring Break can be long, and having multiple grind-em-out matches can really wear on an entire squad. The Tigers do get one day of rest, but sometimes that’s not enough to ease the emotional toll these kinds of matches can take on a team. Moreover, Trinity’s strength as a team has been predicated on Skinner and Krull winning up top, and we just saw what can happen to them when those two guys lose. True, it was an incredible performance from CMU, but Malesovas already has one big win under his belt this season, and Hewlin has already had some good results in his young career. If either of those guys can win their match, this thing could get pretty close.

That being said, the Tigers are strong everywhere, and they are about to take advantage of Whitman’s notable weakness in doubles.  Whitman should be able to hang with the Tigers throughout the singles lineup, but I think TU is just a little bit too experienced and battle-tested. Two things worth noting: this will be Whitman’s first significant outdoor match in potentially warm weather, and Whitman did win the last time these two teams met at the Stag-Hen. Anyways, here’s how I see it playing out:

Doubles: we have no idea what Whitman’s doubles lineup will look like, but Skinner/Mayer should be more than enough to take down whoever Whitman has by a comfortable 8-4. I think Krull/Niess take #2 (8-6), while the Whitties will likely have a solid #3 team to keep them in the match (9-7)

Singles:

#1 Krull (TU) vs. Malesovas (WC): Krull is coming off back-to-back losses, and a player of his calibre tends to refocus when necessary. With a day off, I think he comes out with renewed fire on Monday. Malesovas has been playing well this season, but, with this being Whitman’s first big outdoor match, I’m leading towards Krull. Krull 7-6, 2-6, 6-1

#2 Skinner (TU) vs. Hewlin (WC): Now, Hewlin did take Krull to three sets in the fall, but Skinner has been playing too well and Hewlin just lost a match to a conference opponent. I don’t see this working out well for him. Arm Sleeve 7-5, 6-4

#3 Jordan Mayer (TU) vs. ??? (WC): Whitman previously had Locklear at this spot, but he played behind the freshman Friedman this past weekend after losing a couple conference matches, so I’m going to guess this is either Friedman or Jivkov. Either way, Mayer = senior = victory. Mayer over Jivkov 6-4, 6-3

#4 Niess (TU) vs. ??? (WC): Again, we don’t know who Whitman has here, but, whoever it is, they pretty much have to win. Niess has been the lone weak spot in the Trinity lineup. Friedman 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

#5 Charlie Curtis vs. ??? (WC): It doesn’t really matter who Whitman has here, you know I’m going with the Two-hander of Desitny. He had one tough match Wednesday. It won’t happen again. Curtis over Locklear 6-3, 7-6

#6 Chas Mayer (TU) vs. James Rivers (WC): If Rivers is healthy, I’m going with the senior (as I have been known to do). Mayer hits a big ball, but it looks like Rivers regained his form from freshman year and is playing like a guy who knows it’s his last year. Rivers 7-5, 6-1.

Overall: Trinity wins 6-3.

D3Central’s Take: My faith in Whitman is pretty low to be honest. They have shown to show up in the big matches, although those all have happened at their home indoor courts. Trinity is coming off of a loss to Carnegie so that is a bit worrisome, but I think that will only fuel their fire heading into this match. Whitman will be a lot fresher so that will help, but I really don’t think they can match Trinity’s talent.

Prediction: Trinity over Whitman 7-2

D3AS’s Prediction: Trinity TX def. Whitman 6-3 (yeah, couldn’t do it)

D3NE’s Prediction: Trinity Tx def. Whitman 8-1

#4 Seed Case Western (#9) vs. #5 Seed Pomona (#15)

D3West’s Take: This is easily the most important match of the first round, as you’ve got two teams playing Sharks and Minnows in Pool C. This isn’t exactly a “Loser Goes Home” match, but it’s important. I’m not sure if I really believe in either of these teams, but I definitely believe in Pomona-Pitzer more, and I think it’s a favorable matchup. Case’s strongest two positions happen to be Pomona’s weakest so far (#1 dubs and singles, outside of Wednesday’s match), which means that the Spartans can’t really take away points the Hens are accustomed to getting by having the best player in the nation. Meanwhile, Case doesn’t seem to be particularly deep, and that’s where P-P thrives (outside of Wednesday’s match). Here’s how I see it playing out (caveat: I have no idea who P-P will be using at 4-6 singles.)

Doubles:

#1 Chudalavada (P-P) vs. Krimbill/Stuerke (Case): So far this Spring, the Senior/Freshman combo from P-P hasn’t been able to capture the same magic that took them all the way to the finals of Fall Nationals. They’ve lost to Bates, CMU, and Mary Washington. Meanwhile, Krimbill and Stuerke have been an island of competence in the mess that currently is Case Western doubles. Chudalavada could put a killing curse on any chance Case has of winning this match by taking this, but I got to go with Case 9-7

#2 Yasgoor/Kim (P-P) vs. Drougas/Komarov (Case): Did I mention that these Hens haven’t done much losing this year in my POTW section? Yes. Did I mention how terrible the rest of Case’s doubles lineup has been so far this season? Yes, I did that too. Anything can happen, but P-P is clearly the favorite at this spot. P-P 8-4.

#3 Maassen/Simonides (P-P) vs. ??? (Case): When it comes to #3 doubles, Coach Todd feels like Bono right now because he still hasn’t found what he’s looking for. He could find the right team at any moment, but for now, I love the look of the big-serving Simonides, and I’m going to take the Hens by an 8-3 count.

Singles:

#1 Chuddy (P-P) vs. Krimbill (Case): At this point, there have to be some grumblings in the P-P camp about switching the top two, but they definitely shouldn’t do it before this match because whoever plays #1 is going to lose. #Krimbill4Lyfe 6-4, 6-1

#2 Yasgoor (P-P) vs. Drougas (Case): This is exemplary of a match Case pretty much has to have, but P-P would really like if they can get it. Nevertheless, I think P-P is going to get it. Yasgoor has been consistently very good, and Drougas has been hit or miss. It should be a great match between two clean hitters. Yasgoor 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

#3 Kim (P-P) vs. Simhadri (Case): It’s kind of impossible to tell who is going to be where in the P-P lineup, but this is my best guess. Jonathan Kim, the junior, not to be confused with Josh Kim, the sophomore, has been having a great couple weeks. He got the clinching win over Duncan on Sunday, and his doubles has been fantastic. Nevertheless, Simhadri has been a pleasant surprise for Case at #3. Not many people noticed that he went undefeated at Indoors. Anyways, I think Case wins this one to keep it close, but it should be another 3-setter. 3-6, 7-6, 6-1

#4 ??? (P-P) vs. Stuerke (Case): Whoever it is, they’re favored over Stuerke. Louie is very solid, but I think Bickham is going to throw out a grinder outside on his slow courts, and they’ll end up getting the job done in three sets. 6-4, 5-7, 6-2

#5 Mandic (P-P) vs. Dughi (Case): Mandic has been a bit of a revelation for P-P. The Hens were looking for someone to step up and win at the bottom of the lineup, and here he comes with back-to-back clinches in 5-4 matches (disregard Bowdoin match). I don’t know how he’s going to handle Dughi’s experience and tenacity, but this should be another great match. Case Western 3-6, 6-4, 7-6

#6 Whoever (P-P) vs. Dong (Case): Again, I don’t know who P-P is going to put in this spot, but, whoever it is, I believe in them more than Dong. The dude has struggled to put it together so far this season, and at this point, I’m just putting my faith in the revolving door. Pomona-Pitzer 6-4, 6-4.

Overall: Pomona-Pitzer, 5-4

D3Central’s Take: I am so pumped that West did the match by match on this because I am tired from updating my twitter every minute with all the crazy tennis that happened today. In typical fashion, I am harsh on my own teams in the region and I think Case is weaker than advertised. Their wins are over a Chicago team that is still in question and Gustavus who is weaker than year’s past. Obviously Krimbill helps and he will give them 2 points (a new Ballou for two?). I like Drougas over Yasgoor which differs from West, but after that, I am not a fan of any of the other matches going the Spartans way. Simhardi is too streaky to be relied on, Stuerke seems to fold in close matchs, and Dughi has not shown the same form he had in the fall. His style helps being outdoors, but I still think he comes up short. I like Pomona in a relatively easy win.

Prediction: Pomona over Case 6-3.

D3AS’s Prediction: Case Western def. Pomona 5-4 (yeah, i did it again)

D3NE’s Prediction: Pomona def. Case Western 5-4

Round 2

D3West:

Normally, the winner of 1. vs. 8. plays the winner of 4. vs. 5., but the tournament directors wanted to keep CMS and P-P on opposite sides, and moved Wash U to CMS’s side. We’re not going to waste time previewing second round matches that might not happen, so let’s just sit back and enjoy the tennis. Nevertheless, here are my second round predictions:

Semifinals:

– CMS def. Wash U 6-3

– Trinity (TX) def. P-P 6-3

Backdraw:

– Kenyon def. Wesleyan 5-4

– Whitman def. Case 5-4

Like I previously mentioned, we’ll try to get back to you for the championship match!

D3Central: Semis: CMS over Wash U 7-2, Trinity over Pomona 6-3. Backdraw: Wesleyan over Kenyon 5-4, Case over Whitman 5-4.

D3AS’s Prediction:

No scores, just this. CMS will rout Kenyon and Trinity TX will rout Case Western.

D3NE’s Prediction:

Semis:

-CMS def. Wash U 7-2

-Trinity Tx def Pomona 5-4

Backdraw:

-Kenyon def. Wesleyan 5-4

-Case Western def. Whitman 5-4

 

4 thoughts on “Stags, Hens, & Others: A Stag-Hen Preview

  1. Matt

    Re: the new ITA rankings: I’m no Bates fan, but I wonder how they feel about Pomona getting moved up to #9 while they move down 2 spots to #16. In terms of true talent level, I think the current rankings are pretty accurate, but it’s interesting to see how Bates isn’t benefiting at all from the indirect wins they earn via each Pomona win.

    1. D3West

      Agreed. Some might argue that they could stake a legitimate claim to the #9 spot themselves since their only loss is to CMS. It’s a bit of a shame they didn’t get to play Redlands while they were out there. I’m sure that’s slightly annoying to them, though I am glad that they’ll have several chances to prove those who think their win was a fluke wrong by the end of the season. If they can beat Mary Wash, Brandeis, Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Tufts, and Trinity (CT), they will almost surely get into Pool C. With a win over P-P, and all the indirects the Hens are giving them, I don’t think they need to finish ahead of either Midd or Williams, even in the small Pool. It’s a big ask, but their destiny is truly in their hands.

  2. Rooting for the underdogs

    tough to bet against either Pomona or CMS on their home courts, but wish I was there to watch a great field at the Stag Hen this year!

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