Okay folks, it’s time to get those previews going. Since this is a big time of the year, we’re going to be doing joint previews on every one of our matches, and each writer is going to defend his region’s team as to why he thinks they’ll win. We’ll be doing this for every single matchup down to the bone, so get your reading glasses ready. I hope we don’t work you guys too hard with these articles, because I wouldn’t want some certain readers to compare us to anything, you know what I’m saying? Check my twitter if you don’t. What a lunatic. Either way, Northeast and I obviously have the Amherst vs. Emory matchup, which I think will be a great one. We’ll give match by match predictions and our final predictions below. Let’s get it.
#1 Doubles: Fritz/Reindel (Amherst) vs. Ruderman/Wagner (Emory)
ASouth: So, why will Emory win this #1 doubles matchup? Simply put, they might have to. The bottom of the Amherst doubles lineup is solid and Emory may have a disadvantage at each of the doubles spots. However, Ruderman and Wagner are fiery players who have tons of experience. Their style of doubles is something that Amherst probably hasn’t seen yet, because these guys have some of the best ground strokes in the country. Browning knows these guys need to step up, so expect a lot of coaching on this court as well. Maybe Wagner takes over the net for a couple of games, Ruderman throws in some sick lobs, and all of a sudden you’re at 8 games. That being said, Fritz and Reindel present a weird combo of a lefty and a guy with a better backhand than forehand, so Emory has to watch out for that. I don’t expect Emory to win this matchup, but it’s not like they don’t have a chance.
NE: There is a notion out there that both these teams are “weak doubles” teams. I’m here to put that notion to bed right now. Amherst has been anything but a “weak doubles” team this year. In fact, Fritz/Reindel have been the best team in the region. They tallied a 15-1 record on the spring, including a 5-0 record against other teams that qualified for Individual NCAAs. Ruderman/Wagner haven’t been slouches, but they will have trouble keeping up with the combination of power and consistency that comes from Fritz/Reindel. PLUS, how can you ever pick against a team of seniors at NCAAs?
ASouth Prediction: Fritz/Reindel, 8-6
NE Prediction: Fritz/Reindel, 8-5 (Order of Finish: 2)
#2 Doubles: Revzin/Yaraghi (Amherst) vs. Isaacs/Bajoria (Emory)
ASouth: Emory has been throwing out crazy teams for most of the year at #2 doubles, and they’ve finally picked the team of Issacs and Bajoria to represent them at NCAAs. They’ll win this match if Bajoria’s forehand goes absolutely batshit insane, which it absolutely can do on any given day. Bajoria is like an explosion waiting to happen in doubles with a fairly big serve for a small guy, but really packing a punch with the ground strokes. He’s countered with Issacs, who has good instincts at the net and is overall just a solid player. This team might be able to catch a young team of Revzin/Yaraghi by surprise, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me. I expect the Amherst team to take over the net, but one sign of hesitation from them could open some floodgates for the Emory #2 team.
NE: Garner has done a great job of finding doubles teams with contrasting styles of play. The power/grinder combo seems to be in effect for all 3 Amherst duos, none more so than Yaraghi and Revzin. Yaraghi was always touted as more of a singles player, but his doubles record and play has greatly improved over the past year (even if his singles play hasn’t). Even though this team has been good all year, they haven’t been great. This is a match that Emory can win, even though Amherst will likely be favored. However Revzin plays will decide who wins the match (Apparently Revzin is kind of like the Ohio of DIII tennis). If Aaron dictates with his serve, the Jeffs are in for smooth sailing.
ASouth Prediction: Revzin/Yaraghi, 9-7
NE Prediction: Isaacs/Bajoria, 9-8 (Order of Finish: 3)
#3 Doubles: Solimano/Dale (Amherst) vs. Halpern/Lavoie-Perusse
ASouth: The reason why Halpern and L-P will win this match is just straight up desire. They stepped up huge last week with some incredible shots after going down early, and they played at a level that not many other #3 teams can match. Halpern just knows what’s going on in NCAAs and it’s not like L-P doesn’t have any experience either. This is a loud team, a winning team, and a gritty team. Expect a few big groundstroke passing shots from both of these guys and they can jump on a team that isn’t ready. I expect this team to win because of talent and because someone in the Emory lineup is going to step up when it comes to doubles at NCAAs. I’ve got to go with Halpern/L-P here, just because I’ve got that feeling.
NE: While i do like this Emory team (any #3 team with Halpern should be pretty damn strong), I have become a big fan of the Solimano/Dale combination. Dale is a crafty lefty, paired with Solimano who might be one of the most underratted doubles players in the country. Big serve, sick hands, great overheads. When he’s on, this team will not lose. Dale provides the leadership and experience, Solimano provides the fireworks, game over.
ASouth Prediction: Halpern/L-P, 8-5
NE Prediction: Solimano/Dale, 8-4 (Order of finish: 1)
#1 Singles: Fritz (Amherst) vs Ruderman (Emory)
ASouth: The way Ruderman is going to win this match is by grinding. Ruderman is my pick for best player in the country right now, and before you say that he isn’t, you should probably check his record so far this year. He’s beaten consensus #1s from almost every single region other than the West. The dude has the heart of a lion and can grind with the best of them. One worry was that he was starting to cramp against Heerboth in the Sweet 16, but I think that was more of a one-off deal. Ruderman frustrates every opponent that he plays and he may get under Fritz’s skin if he keeps returning those shots that Joey usually hits for winners. I like Ruderman here because the dude is a winner, which he’s proven match after match.
NE: This match is gonna be off the hook. You all know I’ve been into Fritz all year long, and no matter what ASouth or West say, the dude can flat out play. He’ll be back in his native California land, and I think he’ll be ready to take down the grinding menace that is Scary Spice Ruderman. Give Miss Spice his credit, Ruderman has been one of if not the best player in the country over the past few weeks. Both of these guys have a chance to do some serious damage at the Individual tournament, and this could easily be a quarterfinal or even semifinal preview. Ruderman’s game is based off of grinding out his opponents, but as ASouth mentioned, his fitness has come into question. To beat Fritz in the California sun, Ruderman is going to have to be fit as a fiddle, and be willing to battle for 3 hours. There may be some bias here, but gimme my senior! Note: Although I don’t believe this match will finish, I’m going to pick the full score just in case.
ASouth Prediction: Ruderman, 7-6, 7-5
NE Prediction: Fritz, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 (Order of Finish: DNF)
#2 Singles: Dale (Amherst) vs Halpern (Emory)
ASouth: Another matchup here that I think Emory can win simply because of who is playing there. If Emory is going to beat Amherst, they are going to need big efforts from their top guys. That means Ruderman, Halpern, and Mosetick. This might be one of those matches that I mentioned in my “clutch” article where Halpern goes down early, looks like he’s dead, then all of a sudden takes the second set out of nowhere. Personally, I think this spot is a spot that could be a weak point for Amherst, and Halpern needs to jump on it. A former #1 player and someone that just competed in the Fall ITA Nationals should be able to take down Dale, and that’s fully what I expect. If Emory loses this match, I don’t think they win the team match. I’m just throwing it out there.
NE: As good as the #1 singles matchup is, this could be another show. I totally agree with ASouth, in that this is a MUST WIN for the Eagles. Halpern has been playing some pretty dirty tennis of late, and his confidence should be flying like an Eagle (how awesome is Space Jam). HOWEVER, Dale has been more than just a tough out at #2 singles this year. After a poor fall, Christopher used the winter well and came out firing at the beginning of the year with wins over Dorn and Scandalis on the Jeff’s Cali trip. Since then, he took down Harron (Williams) in a tough 3-setter, and fell in an even tighter 3-setter to Jones (Midd). Dale plays quickly and efficiently, and that is something that Halpern will need to monitor from the start of the match. This lefty could be trouble, and if he gets put down Halpern then the Jeffs should be well on their way to the Final 4.
ASouth Prediction: Halpern, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1
NE Prediction: Halpern, 3-6. 6-2, 6-1 (Order of Finish: 3)
#3 Singles: Solimano (Amherst) vs Mosetick (Emory)
ASouth: Huge swing match here. Mosetick, the small grinder who’s had an up and down season, versus Solmiano, who a lot of you might not have heard of yet. Solmiano is a freshman, which is something that we should definitely keep in mind as well. However, the dude has had a banner year at #3 where he’s basically beaten every tough competition that he’s faced. The grind on the CMS courts against Rafe could be something that gives him some fits. Mosetick makes you work if you’re going to beat him, and you can definitely count on him being ready for the biggest match of the year. Mosetick wins this if he can get into the young Solmiano’s head and give Solmiano no hope but to cramp up in a long third set.
NE: I’ve been trumpeting the Solimano horn all year long, and now FINALLY he could get some of the respect that he deserves. As I said in the doubles preview, the dude’s hands are nasty. Not only is he undefeated at #3 so far this year, but he was even with or ahead of Conrad Harron (Williams #2) and Brantner Jones (Midd #2) in his two NESCAC Conference Tournament matches. Soli came up with a big win over Sam King (a career ending win, I might add) in the Sweet 16, and I see no reason why Solimano’s net game shouldn’t take down the grinding force that is Rafe Mosetick.
ASouth Prediction: Solmiano, 6-4, 7-6
NE Prediction: Solimano, 7-5, 7-5 (Order of Finish: 4)
#4 Singles: Zykov (Amherst) vs Wagner (Emory)
ASouth: It’s time for Mr. Wagner to flex those experience muscles against the freshman from Amherst. Experience is always important, which is why I’ve been writing crazy articles about clutch performance and going back a little into the history of DIII Tennis. If you don’t like it and want to send me berating e-mails, then you can join that club of 1. Wagner has been through everything and he’s going to bring an extra gear that Zykov has to match. Once Emory gets rolling, they start getting loud and confident. A loud and confident Emory team is not something the Lord Jeffs want. Wagner is an emotional player and we’ve seen him struggle at times this year. Wagner has won almost every big match he’s played this year. I’m not going to go against my team and I’m not going to go against a National Champ.
NE: To be honest, this is not my favorite matchup for the Jeffs, but that in no way means that Zykov cannot win this match. The freshman has come up big for the Jeffs at times this year, including a match clinching 3-set win over Erik Lim and Hopkins. Although he lacks the experience, he has proven himself time and time again this year. He will be ready to go for the Jeffs come Monday. Zykov’s confidence should be at an all time high after earning the clincher last weekend against Chris Lord and a feisty underachieving Bowdoin team. Zykov ended Lord’s career, that’s cold blooded. This match should be close, but if Zykov is going to win, he needs to start strong. Like most of Emory’s team, Wagner doesn’t have an issue playing down a set; but, when Zykov wins the 1st set, he doesn’t lose. The diaper dandy is undefeated this year after winning the 1st set. Zykov has the emotional firepower to match Wagner, and I see this one becoming loud and fun…
ASouth Prediction: Wagner, 6-4, 6-4
NE Prediction: Wagner, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 (Order of Finish: DNF)
#5 Singles: Yaraghi (Amherst) vs Szczurek (Emory)
ASouth: There’s going to be some tough sledding down here for Emory, but that doesn’t mean they can’t win. The style of Nick Szczurek is one that is a bit different than your normal #5 player. Nick plays with a predominantly flat shot, plus he’s lefty. That forehand gave a lot of people nightmares back when he was a freshman, and it still does now. I feel like he’s still a speedy guy, but he’s based his game more off of his groundstroke ability and can blow you off the court if you hit into his wheelhouse. He’s going to have a tough time with the crafty Yaraghi, but honestly I think Yaraghi could break down at any moment. Literally, any moment. Nick needs to just keep the match close with his big shots and there could be a stretch that AY breaks down under the pressure.
NE: Obviously some of what we’ve been saying is a bit of a stretch. Neither of us truly believes that our team will win this match 9-0, in fact I see this match as having the possibility of going down to the wire. HOWEVER, we’ve finally hit the spots where I feel VERY confident in my guys. Yaraghi was a bonafide ace last year (even though he did play #3). I know, I know, he hasn’t been playing at quite the same level as last year. But c’mon son, the dude is still likely the best #5 in the country. His only loss since October came against Butts (while playing #4), and Andrew hasn’t lost at #5 all year long. This match won’t be that close, and one of Amherst’s most likely points.
ASouth Prediction: Yaraghi, 6-3, 6-4
NE Prediction: Yaraghi, 7-5, 6-3 (Order of Finish: 2)
#6 Singles: Reindel (Amherst) vs. Adams (Emory)
ASouth: Damn, this one’s going to be tough. Reindel has been fire this year at the #6 spot and kudos to him for working his way to becoming a great #6 player. He’s another lefty who is crafty with his spins, which may give Adams some trouble. Adams is a guy that plays consistently, but it’s definitely possible to grind him down. I know I’m supposed to be telling you how Emory can win this match, and I think the only way they come out victorious down here is if Adam starts playing out of his mind and hitting winners. That’s really what I think about this matchup, so let’s see if the mercurial sophomore from Emory can elevate his game to the next level.
NE: Amherst’s other most likely point will comes from Justin Reindel. Reindel has been nothing short of a lock this year for the Jeffs. Like Yaraghi, he has not lost at his position all year long. Justin’s only losses came at #4 to Pomona (Massaan) and at #5 to Bowdoin (Wolstencraft) who also had a set lead on Yaraghi in the Sweet 16. Adams will be game for the challenge, but Reindel has simply been the better tennis player this year. Obviously you can’t pick the winner based off of solely one in-common match, BUT Adams fell to Frons (Midd) earlier this year, while Reindel took him down 1&3. Also, Reindel has been my Player of the Week multiple times this year, which has to count for something, right?
ASouth Prediction: Reindel, 6-2, 6-4
NE Prediction: Reindel, 6-2, 6-3 (Order of Finish: 1)
ASouth Team Prediction – Amherst 5-3
NE Team Prediction – Amherst 5-2
Well, well, well, looks like that’s all we got for you for Amherst/Emory. This should be one of the matches of the tournament because of the way these two teams stack up. I think Amherst is the better team, but all it takes is one upset somewhere (maybe in doubles) for Emory to take this and take out the team that everyone is touting as the #2 team in the nation right now. We’ve seen plenty of Elite 8 craziness in our years and this might be another one. Northeast, it was good previewing this match with you, but it’s time to get back to work on my clutch article. Can’t leave the rest of the teams hanging. Anyways, ASouth and Northeast.. OUT.
Correction – Joey Fritz is Cincinnati, OH born and raised!
Of course he is. Cincy Country Day? I knew that! Stupid, D3NE