WEEKEND PREVIEW
Even though I have already posted 3 (count em, not one, not two, but three) articles in the past 24 hours, I’m not quite dead yet. Weekend preview comin atcha! Be forewarned, this is gonna be a pretty quick preview.
Saturday
Midd @ Wesleyan 10am
Midd is coming off their biggest win in a couple of years, so they could easily fall prey to a whole host of excuses. They were tired from yesterday. They totally overlooked the reeling Cardinals. They are traveling on back-to-back days. Your mom’s chest-hair, etc etc etc. All that being said, the Panthers should just be too strong for Wesleyan. I don’t see Midd having any troubles with the doubles, and their singles should still be ready to mingle(s). Wesleyan needs this match to put themselves back into the discussion for NESCACs, but they should be outmatched at almost every position. I’m taking Midd with at least an 8-1 win.
Amherst @ Bates 11am
Somehow, the past couple of Amherst/Bates matches have totally snuck past my radar. How many of you all knew that Amherst beat Bates 5-4 last year? How many of those people knew that Amherst beat Bates 5-4 the year before that? That’s what I thought. While they may have a bit of a history, Amherst seems as strong as ever, while Bates is struggling to remain relevant in the region. Berg might be able to stick with Fritz for the 1st set, but Joey seems to be playing his best tennis while the same cannot be said about Berg. The two matchups of the day should be #1 doubles and #2 singles. Planche can push anyone, and Dale cannot afford many (if any) losses at #2. A loss here would severely damage his NCAA hopes. The other important matchup comes from Berg/Planche vs Fritz/Reindell at #1 doubles. I’ll say Bates gets one of these two matches, but loses the team match 8-1.
Bowdoin @ Tufts 1pm
How did this become a crucial NESCAC match? Well, Bowdoin has been missing Bragg, and Tufts destroyed Wesleyan a few weeks ago. If Bowdoin is Bragg-less, and Tufts has Telkedzhiev back and healthy, then I’m taking the Jumbos in an upset. However, If either Bragg plays, or Telkedzhiev sits, I like the Polar Bears. Either way, I think Bowdoin takes 1&2 doubles, but Tufts wins at 3rd dubs. I’m going to analyze the singles as if Bragg was out and Telkedzhiev was in, because that’s the only way I find this match interesting. Nik would still be an underdog against Trinka, but Jacobson and King should go 3 sets. I like Wong over Lord, Wolstencraft and Tan could go the distance, Savage over Blau, and Ladwig over Mo. For Tufts to win this match, they’ll need 4 matches between 2-6. While it’s unlikely, the way Bowdoin has been playing recently it is certainly possible.
Williams @ Vassar 1pm
Honestly, this is just to appease those Vassar fans who continually post comments after their team comes out with a win. Yes Williams will be playing with tired legs after their heavyweight bout with Midd the day before. Yes the Ephs will be the road team. HOWEVER, color me shocked if Vassar gets more than a point or two against the defending champs. Williams, 8-1.
Trinity Ct @ Brandeis 3pm
While this matchup has zero NESCAC implications, it does present a compelling regional ranking matchup. Brandeis is currently a top 10 regional team, and a win against Trinity would solidify that ranking for the rest of the season. A win for the Judges is certainly not out of the question, although the Bantams should certainly be favored. Brandeis does play some good doubles, and could easily go into singles play with a lead. However, Trinity should be far too deep for the Judges, and I see Trinity winning a somewhat close match, 6-3.
SUNDAY
Midd @ Trin Ct 10am
3 matches in 3 days for the Panthers. Not only that, but 3 important NESCAC matches in 3 days. While a Trinity upset might sound plausible to some, it’s not gonna happen. Any strength that Trinity has (namely it’s depth), Midd is stronger. The matchup to watch here is Johnston and Carpenter. I believe that DC is over ranked right now, and Johno needs this win after failing to capitalize on his 1st set win over Micheli earlier today. I think Johnston wins this match, and Midd takes another big NESCAC match by a score of 8-1.
Skidmore @ Stevens 1pm
THE BLACK HOLE BECKONS! This matchup just adds to the chaos as each team could end up with multiple indirects over the other one. The big thing to watch for here is the possible return of Loutsenko to the singles lineup. If he plays, he will not have an easy return match. Matty Heinrich has been a beast this year, and knows that the loser of this match will likely have a hard time making NCAAs. Overall I’m taking Skidmore in the team match, but I’m excited to see if Oliver returns. Skidmore, 6-3.
Amherst @ Bowdoin 2pm
For the final match of the weekend, we have a matchup that I was drooling over in the winter. Now? Pish posh, Amherst wins easy, Bob’s your uncle. Again Bowdoin will play the Jeffs closer if their #1 is starting, but even with Bragg I don’t see how Bowdoin can win this match. Fritz vs. Bragg/Trinka could be fun, and the matchup at #1 doubles will impact the selection committee, but until Bowdoin actually looks better in their wins, it’s hard to think they will even compete against the NESCAC elite. I believe Garner will play almost all of his full lineup, and I see Amherst sending a message with an 8-1 or a 9-0 win.