Quakers return to action against George Washington

It has been more than a week since the men’s tennis team stepped between the lines, after its match against Army was cancelled last Saturday.

So the Quakers will either be well-rested or slightly rusted this afternoon, when they take on George Washington, a team they beat 5-2 last season.

Penn’s rides in on a victory over Temple — arguably the second-best team in the city, according to Penn coach Nik DeVore — in their last match.

The Quakers likely needed the nine-day layoff after the long and grueling affair against the Owls, which spanned more than four hours, and senior Hicham Laalej took his match to the final set before clinching the win for Penn. While the Quakers lost the doubles point, their effort in singles play carried them through the day.

The team has been on a roll, opening their season with three straight victories. George Washington, on the other hand, has lost two of its first three.

The Colonials are led by junior Ugur Atalay, who lost to Penn in three sets at No. 1 singles last year.

Penn freshman Nikola Kocovic’s match will be one to watch. He hasn’t lost a singles set all season and doesn’t appear to be affected by the freshman learning curve.

While the Quakers postponed their trip up to West Point, their first three matches have already taught them the discipline necessary for continued success.

With the upperclassmen rolling and the freshmen playing like seasoned veterans, the Quakers will likely hear a second farewell address from George Washington tonight.

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