You would think that the military would make a tough opponent in an athletic event. But after two straight dominant victories, Penn could get used to facing our nation's military academies, at least on the tennis court.
The men's tennis team defeated Army yesterday 7-0 , following its shutout victory over Navy Wednesday. In what was a lopsided contest, the Quakers (6-11) began the day by sweeping the doubles matches from the host Black Knights (6-9) and continued their dominance in singles, only losing two sets as a team .
Penn's schedule so far this season has been full of top-ranked teams, most resulting in disappointment for the Quakers. But the duo of matches this week provided a much lighter load.
"Our schedule wasn't fluffed up with twelve of these types of matches, but it was nice for us to take care of them both 7-0," sophomore Justin Fox said. "Winning 7-0 and also all three doubles matches shows that the team is focused and that we really don't take anything for granted."
Fox was one of the few Quakers who was challenged by the Black Knights, as both of his matches were hotly contested. Fox and Brandon O'Gara gained an 8-6 victory over Michael Good and Eddie Kang at No. 2 doubles before Fox defeated Kang in a third-set tiebreaker at No. 3 singles.
Fox squandered a lead in the second set to force a third, but was able to regain his composure to assure the victory.
"I lost focus a bit during the second set because I was thinking about things outside of the tennis court," the sophomore said. "I was just really happy that I was able to refocus for the third set."
Freshman Alex Vasin also played to a third-set tiebreaker, defeating Bruno Lucivero at No. 6 singles.
The Quakers, in snapping Army's three-game winning streak, bring a modest two-game streak of their own into Ivy League play, which begins Saturday at No. 64 Princeton .
"I think Army and Navy are comparable to some of the weaker Ivy teams, so it definitely gives us confidence," Fox said. "Hopefully we can continue the same way in the Ivies."
"You always gain confidence by winning, but we're still the same team," Riley said. "We're looking pretty good going into Princeton."
Riley was quick to add that the two wins would not affect his team's mindset going into Ancient Eight play.
"I think we're mature enough not to let it affect us too much," he said. "Winning is positive, but the whole season comes down to a few weekends."
While the team's record against the top-ranked teams has been unimpressive, the Quakers still have a chance to come away with a successful season during Ivy play. The team looks ready to compete for a title.
