Not even the gloomy weekend weather could rain on the Big Green men's tennis team's parade.
The team marched right over EITA cellar dwellers Cornell and Army to solidify a second place finish in the league. While they were not invited to the regional tournament, the squad's 17-5 record can only be deemed a success.
This 17-5 record marks the best the team has done in school history.
Facing Cornell on Friday afternoon, Dartmouth had minimal trouble in sweeping an overmatched Big Red squad that did not appear to realize what hit it.
Playing without four of its top six players, Cornell would have been better off not showing up in Hanover. The Big Green swept the meet, 7-0.
In doubles action, the Big Green mixed up the lineup a bit, resting seniors Jim Rich and Captain Holden Spaht for singles. The somewhat sporadic matches that have characterized Dartmouth's doubles play all season were no where to be found.
Matt Fuller '97 and Avery Rueb '98 slipped into the number one spot and opened the meet with an 8-2 victory. The "fab four" freshmen teamed up at the two and three positions to add victories as well. Erich Holzer and Gabe Sauerhoff stepped up at number two for the 8-3 win, while Rob Simik and Austin Hawley finished up with a dominating 8-1 annihilation.
In singles play, the Big Green dominance continued. Taking the court for their last weekend of play in Dartmouth green, Rich and Spaht went out strong.
At number one, Rich slammed his way to a straight set victory 6-1, 6-3. Spaht followed with a straight set win of his own 6-3, 6-3.
Fuller, Holzer, Sauerhoff and Simik routinely shut down their opponents, all winning in straight sets.
Rich, Spaht and the rest of the team continued their aggressive, dominant play on Saturday against Army.
Teaming up at doubles for the final time, Rich and Spaht played brilliantly, taking the match 8-4. The reliable fab four returned at two and three, and took care of business, securing the team point.
Rich and Spaht did not slow down in singles play as they proceeded to earn straight set victories at one and two, respectively.
Still needing one more team point for the win, Sauerhoff quickly secured it at number five with a 6-1, 6-4 victory. Holzer added a straight set win at number four to give the Big Green a solid five points. Fuller and Hawley dropped their matches in tight contests.
The Big Green's 17-5 record for the year is their best in recent memory. With big wins over Princeton, Utah and the University of San Diego, the Big Green showed they have the talent to play with anyone. With only two graduating seniors, the squad should come back strong next year, but the leadership of Spaht and Rich will be missed.
"Playing on the same team as Jimmy and Holden for two years has been great," Rueb said. "They know when to get serious for big matches, but they also know when to loosen the team up in times of pressure."
Spaht offered his assessment of the year and his career: "I think that 17-5 is the best record of any Dartmouth tennis team, and I am proud to say that I was captain of such a successful team. This year we had four freshmen traveling with us who hardly lost a match.
"Jimmy and I have had four great years here. Dartmouth tennis has been a huge part of my life, and Jimmy and I have both had some great moments here, so it is not going to be easy to let go. Coach [Chuck] Kinyon and Dave Jones have done a great job building one of the best programs in the East, however, and there is still a strong foundation for very successful teams in the next few years," he said.
The Big Green will take a much deserved break for the remainder of the year, as they rest up for next season. While the seniors will be missed, Dartmouth will be ready when fall rolls around.
