Following an impressive win over St. John's last weekend, the men's tennis team repeated a clean performance yesterday taking, down a strong Army team 5-1.
The Big Green started the match at 3:00 p.m. in Leverone Field House, and when number six player Avery Rueb '98 split sets around 9:00 p.m., with the victory already to Dartmouth, the two teams decided to leave the match at a draw.
Having captured the doubles point with victories from number one doubles team Jim Rich '96 and Holden Spaht '96 and number two team Matt Fuller '97 and Captain Kurt Bruggeman '95, Dartmouth was once again off to a quick start.
"Army is a good solid team," Coach Chuck Kinyon said. "You have to come ready."
Dartmouth, which won every first set in singles, was led by number one player Rich who, despite an early service break, came back strong to win 6-4, 6-3.
Fuller, Spaht and Bruggeman all needed tie breakers in the second sets to overcome their opponents, while Chase Arnold '95 lost a disappointing three-set match 6-4, 6-7, 4-6.
"I thought we were a little tired from the weekend," Kinyon said. "We got ahead and I think we let up a little bit in the second set. Those guys from Army will never give up."
Once again, the Big Green used the homecourt advantage to capitalize on the sometimes skeptical Leverone tennis courts.
"I thought we played really well," Rich said. "Playing in the dome is obviously a big advantage, but we'll take it."
With a 2-0 record, Dartmouth will face its biggest test this weekend when the Big Green battle Pennsylvania on Friday at 3:00 p.m. and regroup the next day to take on last year's Ivy League Champions, Columbia at 12:00 p.m.
"I think we're up for the challenge," Rich said. "They are going to be two tough matches, but we're psyched to go out there and play."
Today the Big Green will rest, but come Wednesday they'll be back on the courts drilling and conditioning so that come this weekend they'll be ready.
With tennis being a grueling sport and matches lasting up to seven hours, plenty of rest will be key for the Big Green. Mental preparation will also be a huge factor.
"We have to prepare for two tough matches," Rich said. "You need to be ready to pick yourself up if you win or if you lose. Hopefully, we'll be on the winning side of that."
