By Eric Weiss
Senior Writer
The men’s tennis team put forth a valiant effort in the Patriot League tournament last weekend in Bethlehem, Pa., beating Colgate 4-1 but falling to Army in the semifinals 4-2.
Against Colgate the Orange and Blue used their usual tactics, taking an early lead through stellar doubles play and then following with relentless singles action.
“While we lack the facilities of the other top teams in the conference, we make up for it in talent, and our team is as close-knit as a team could be,” Josh Katten ’13 said.
In the doubles matches, Anton Kovic ’11 paired with Evan Zimmer ’13 and Gregg Cohenca ’12 paired with Mark Malloy ’11 to rout Colgate in impressive victories. Katten and Kelly Morque ’13, the super sophomore combo for the Bison, were also headed towards a victory until their match was suspended as the Bison had already gained the point up for grabs in doubles play.
The Orange and Blue continued to play at lightning speed in singles as Zimmer, Katten and Malloy all retired their opponents in straight sets to give the team the three singles victories they needed to be victorious over the Red Raiders. All other matches were suspended as the win was already secured.
The Bison started promisingly against Army as Cohenca and Malloy, as well as Kovic and Zimmer won their respective doubles matches giving the Bison a 1-0 advantage.
“In my years on the team, I have never been a part of a match like the one we played on Saturday against Army. Everyone has heard or said the saying, ‘Leave your hearts out on the court today,’ and only on a special day does it actually happen,” Malloy said.
In singles play, Cohenca was the only player able to pull out a victory for the Bison. Although the Bison were able to knot the match at 2-2 they would get no closer as Army then won the next two singles matches.
“We were confident going in and we gave it our all, and it just wasn’t enough. Despite losing, we learned a lot, namely that we have the talent to win a championship,” Morque said.
The Orange and Blue were sadly retired in the semifinals for the fifth time in a row in the Patriot League Tournament.
“That match against Army was one of the closest, hardest fought losses I have ever been a part of, and I truly believe that everyone gave their all and left everything they had on the court,” Malloy said.
It was a stellar season for the Bison and seniors Malloy and Kovic will be sincerely missed by the team since they anchored singles positions for four straight years. These gentlemen have left their mark on Bison tennis forever.
“Anton and I are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play tennis here,” Malloy said. “It is an honor to have been a part of such a special group of guys, and Bison tennis is in good hands for years to come.”