The Cornell men’s tennis team left the competition in smoke this weekend in the Big Red Invitational.
The tournament lasted the entire weekend, ending with the Big Red sweeping every singles and doubles match.
Greg Artzt’s opponent in the “A” singles final was Assumption’s Paul Kenny.
The Cornell standout dominated this match with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
The senior’s efforts definitely raised eyebrows.
“Greg was great this weekend. He had a professional attitude and great senior leadership,” praised head coach Barry Schoonmaker.
Artzt joined teammate Stefen Paulovia in the “A” doubles match to defeat fellow Cornellians Mike Halperin and Pat Hagan.
The rest of the matches occurred between members of the Big Red team.
In a close match, Scott Paltrowitz defeated Julian Chenge in the “B” Singles final.
Joe Chrisman, in the “C” singles match, and Carl Thorsen, in the “D” singles match, defeated teammates Mike Schlapping and Aravinda Newman, respectively.
In the second doubles match, Zach Gallin and Mike Mestal had an 8-4 victory over Paltrowitz and Schlappig.
This weekend bodes well for the future, as the team continues to improve.
“We did what we were supposed to do, we played decent tennis, but there is still room for improvement. I think the guys played pretty solid,” Schoonmaker affirmed.
Leader Greg Artzt looks to the future with mixed feelings.
“Next few weekends, we are heavy favorites. But, we never take matches lightly,” he said.
Artzt feels that the hardest competition in the future will be March 10 against Army, a victory for which the team is “really going to have to work.”
The Big Red will take to the courts next against Saint Bonaventure, a team that, according to Head Coach, is “one of the most improved teams in the East.”
The match will take place at Reis Tennis Center on February 18 at 3p.m.
Archived article by Sun Staff