After a tough loss in last year's quarterfinals, Emory men's tennis began their 2014 campaign on Friday on a solid note, splitting their first two matches at home against Auburn University at Montgomery (Ala.) and Oglethorpe University respectively.
The team tied of their season with a down-to-the-wire effort against Auburn Montgomery. With two previous matches already under their belt, Auburn Montgomery (2-1) was able to squeeze out a 5-4 win against Emory (1-1).
Auburn Montgomery, the number two-ranked team in the NAIA, provided a unique challenge for the Eagles, who currently rank sixth nationally in the NCAA Division III ranks.
"I think it went [fair], though there's still a lot to improve on," sophomore Rafe Mosetick said. "We faced lots of adversity, but I'm proud of how hard everyone fought."
The teams split the singles round 3-3, but Auburn Montgomery emerged victorious in doubles.
"It was a tough loss to AUM with a couple of tight matches that didn't go our way", added junior Eric Halpern.
The Eagles still had some standout performances in the loss. Junior Alex Ruderman won two matches in the No. 1 singles spot and senior Nick Szczurek also secured a pair of singles victories.
However, the weekend took a turn for the better with Emory's second match against Oglethorpe.
With a dominating (9-0) victory, Emory showed its potential as a conference powerhouse. The Eagles won the individual games by a 96-15 margin.
After last year's disappointing end, the Eagles are looking this year to replicate their 2012 season, when they won a national championship.
"The team has been working real hard this year and we have big plans for this season," Halpern said. "We are returning almost all of our starters so we are another year more experienced which is huge for us. We are looking to get the bitter taste of last season's quarterfinal loss at NCAAs out of our mouths."
Coming off a decisive victory, things look to be back on track for the Eagles (1-1) this season. The team will face Shorter University (1-1) in their next match on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Ryan Smith contributed reporting.
– By Joe Toledano
