NCAA REGIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: May 5th-May 11th
As we’re into NCAA time, I have decided to stop sugar coating my captions and simply use the first look-alike that pops into my head. If you don’t like it, don’t vote for me. It’s not my fault Fojtasek looks exactly like Harry Osbourne’s villainous turn in the Amazing Spider Man 2. Who cares, dude just won the biggest match in program history. He could look like Gollum and he’d still wake up with somebody on each side of him. Enjoy this penultimate POTW!
A-SOUTH
Player: Eric Halpern
Team: Emory
Results: 1-0 in singles, 2-0 in doubles
Recap: The record doesn’t tell the whole story with Mr. Halpstennis. In what was a surprisingly tense weekend for the Eagles, Halpern came through in the clutch as he always does by taking some huge matches. Against Kenyon, Halpern came up bigtime at #3 doubles as they came back from an early deficit and played lights out to give Emory their only doubles point of the match. This was a game-changer as without that match, the Eagles might be at home right now. He followed that up with a 7-6, 7-6 singles victory over the pesky Sam Geier. Halpern’s first set win was monumental as Emory was on the verge of losing all the momentum and potentially giving Kenyon that extra boost to win this match. Big ups to Halpern for a great weekend.
What’s next: Emory vs. Amherst, Elite 8 of NCAAs. A big matchup for Halpern at #3 doubles as well as a match against Zykov (I think?)
Honorary Mention: Ben Hwang, Hopkins, Will Duncan, CMU, Michael Holt, W&L
Favorite Regular Season Moment: Spring Break Walla Walla, CMS Broadcasting, and the rise of Live Streaming of DIII Tennis.
Favorite Regular Season Blog Moment: SPORTS. RELATED. GOSSIP.
Most Interesting NCAA Quarterfinal Matchup: Middlebury vs. Case
CENTRAL
Player: James Fojtasek
Team: Case Western
Results: 1-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles
Recap: This is probably the easiest decision for POTW, but really I could give this to the entire Case Western team. However, when a freshman steps up and clinches a massive Elite 8 berth for his team you have got to give him the props for that. Fojtasek also was able to go 2-0 in doubles on the weekend at three doubles which has been a problem for the Spartans all season. Even though he didn’t win POTW, I’ve got to give a shout out to John Healey as he won another close three setter along with winning in doubles with a completely new partner that he had all year. Apparently Drougas was serving underhanded in singles and still was able to pull out a win. Needless to say this was a total team effort. To think Case was able to win this match without getting a point from their stud Krimball is impressive to say the least. Congrats to Fojtasek and his Case teammates on what has to be the biggest win of their careers.
What’s next: Just some team named Middlebury. Fojtasek will face off against Mountifield in what could be a swing match for the Spartans. It is a winnable match. If Case can steal 3 dubs as well that would be icing on the cake.
Honorary Mention: John Healey, Will Drougas, John Carswell, Will Wilson
Favorite Regular Season Moment: Wash U winning indoors, John Carswell being dominant, and the crazy black hole.
Favorite Regular Season Blog Moment: Mario Tennis Poll Question
Most Interesting NCAA Quarterfinal Matchup: Trinity vs. Wash U (scary match up for the Bears). I also think Case will pose Middlebury some problems.
NE
Player: Danny Knight
Team: Skidmore
Results: 2-0 (#1 doubles) 2-0 (#3 singles)
Recap: Mr. Knight ended his dual match career on a very high note, going undefeated this past weekend. He and Loutsenko have been one of the most dominant doubles teams all year long (dating back to their ITA win) but Knight’s singles have been equally impressive this spring. Danny got off to a slow start, but since California he has only lost one match at #3 singles (Palmer Campbell). He took down Shastri in routine fashion this weekend, 3&1, and earned 4 points against Williams in their 2 meetings this season. Even though the Thoroughbreds couldn’t pull off the upset this weekend, their seniors should all be proud of their accomplishments this season and of their great Skidmore careers. We all knew about Loutsenko and Skidmore, but to see guys like Knight and Steerman come up big as seniors is really great. I know it just warms the cockles of D3West’s cold heart.
What’s next: Knight will gear up for the Individual portion of NCAAs where he and Loutsenko will represent the NE in the doubles competition.
Honorary Mention: Oliver Loutsenko (Skidmore), Michael Solimano (Amherst), D3NE (Perfect Bracket)
Favorite Regular Season Moment: NYU over Skidmore, the very first sighting of the BLACK-HOLE
Favorite Regular Season Blog Moment: Tuna Fish, he may have a cold heart, but D3West’s a legend!
Most Interesting NCAA Quarterfinal Matchup: Amherst vs. Emory
WEST
Player: Jordan Mayer
Team: Trinity
Results: 3-0 on the weekend with two clutch wins against GAC
Recap: There were several POTW-worthy performances this weekend, and it was really difficult to pick a definite winner. In the end, I’m going with the guy who came up big in the closest match involving a West region team this weekend. Mr. Mayer played big in the tiebreaker at #2 doubles to give TU a 2-1 lead over the Gusties and then cruised at #5 singles against Al Houni to put the Tigers on the brink of the Elite Eight berth they eventually earned thanks to Mr. Deuel. Hop and Emory might have minor bracket complaints, but TU is the only #1 seed that actually had to fly to go play a very tough team on the road to make it the Elite Eight. Being Trinity has its unique challenges, but the Tigers made it through this weekend. This time, they’ll be fully rested to take their shot at the Bears.
What’s next: TU plays a very tough Wash U team in the national quarters.
Honorary Mention: Chris Weichert (P-P), Nik Marino (CMS), Colton Malesovas (Whitman)
Favorite Regular Season Moment: When a wild Loutsenko reappeared to help Skidmore beat Williams and take the Black Hole to the next level
Favorite Regular Season Blog Moment: Ojai tweets with Ballou fo’ sho’
Most Interesting NCAA Quarterfinal Matchup: TU vs. Wash U of course. The Bears are very, very tough, but it won’t be as easy for them this time around, especially with Skinner at #4.