Despite a chilly afternoon, the men's tennis team was red hot as it routed St. John's 6-1 Saturday at Leverone Field House.
Getting a late start due to the women's match, the men were on the court until 11:30 p.m. Both teams played indoors due to the cold, which is a notorious advantage to Dartmouth teams that are accustomed to the quicker surface and dimmer lights present at Leverone.
"We played well," Coach Chuck Kinyon said. "I was very proud of our guys, of how we came out and got the job done. They tended to business and did their job. That's how they have been playing."
This was the first match for the men since their California spring trip where the team went 2-3 against top national teams.
"I think those were the best results we've had since I've been here," Kinyon said. "We played better every day, and I'm really pleased with how the guys are playing."
Dartmouth captured the momentum quickly yesterday by sweeping the doubles with wins at all three positions and capturing the coveted doubles point.
"With this type of format, the doubles point is key," Kinyon said. "I'm really pleased with how we have been playing doubles, and I think that is key because it sets the tone of the rest of the match."
With a 1-0 lead, Dartmouth came out hitting aggressively in singles. Led by Captain Jim Rich '96, the Big Green pounded St. Johns, a squad that has proven to be a strong Eastern team.
"Jimmy had a really good match," Kinyon said. "He really through his opponent off with some tough serves and his forehand was on."
"We played a great match," Rich said. "We came out strong in doubles which was good because I think we were all a little nervous with it being our first home match and everything."
Today the men will take on Army at 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the match will be outside at the Topliff complex. Army, who defeated St. John's earlier this year 4-3, will bring competitive doubles teams and a deep singles line up.
"We are expecting the best," Rich said. "The entire East is very even. Everyone can beat everyone on a given day. There is just a lot of talent out there."
