Tennis goes on hiatus

By Max Orenstein
Collegian Staff
November 1, 2006

La Salle University isn’t exactly used to seeing a whole lot of success at Belfield Courts.

The 2006-2007 Explorer men’s tennis team has done everything it can to change that.

La Salle wrapped up its fall season Oct. 21 with a 5-2 win over Rider University, bringing its record to an impressive 6-4 overall. The season was capped off with a three-match winning streak, helping the team carry significant momentum into the off-season.

Co-coach Ed Colfer seems pretty satisfied.

“Our goal was to finish above .500,” Colfer said. “There were two matches that we should have won, but on a whole, [the season] was really positive.”

Colfer was particularly pleased about the improvement from last year, which saw the Explorers grabbing only three wins all year. The effort put forth by the freshmen provided key wins all season. Matthew Rivera went 6-4 in singles matches and 8-2 in doubles matches. Other freshmen were able to contribute as well.

“Phil [Loatman] and Jon [Maula] split time at the six position; it was good experience for them,” Colfer said.

There’s only a slight dilemma for the upcoming spring season: two upper classmen are planning on studying abroad. Sophomore Chris Butera and junior Eric Glick played at the pivotal four and five positions this fall, so their presence will be missed.

However, Colfer has the utmost confidence in the freshmen that will be replacing them.

“We’re starting workouts next week, so we all have the opportunity to get better,” Colfer said. “We’ll be playing on Saturdays and Sundays, and then hitting the weight room. Our success in the spring depends solely on the off-season workouts.”

The impact of the successful fall season on the team goes beyond the scope of this year. Recruiting should bring a lot more talent to La Salle next year.

“This makes my job a lot easier,” Colfer said. “This fall was a huge improvement.”

The Explorers have a while to gear up for their first match of the spring season, which will be played against Saint Joseph’s University on Feb. 3. Until then, get used to the sight of tennis players hitting balls at practice and pumping iron in the weight room.

orensteinm1@lasalle.edu