Men's tennis beats Ohio Wesleyan, ready for finals

Vicotry guarantees sixth seed in championships

The men's tennis team is heading into their conference weekend at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. They will be seeded sixth out of nine teams. The 4-3 victory over Ohio Wesleyan University last Saturday clinched the spot for the Yeomen.

Last year three teams were tied for the sixth seed; Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, and Wittenberg, and by clinching it this year they have proved they are much stronger.

The draw has the men face off against third seeded Kenyon College on Friday morning. During Oberlin's sesason the Kenyon match was tight, a few guys had an off day and the others were three set matches.

Coach Chris Barker like any coach would like to see his team number one, but if they finish within the top five it will be a great tournament for the men. If the men lose to Kenyon then they will play the loser of the Wittenberg vs. the College of Wooster match.

Barker said, "The men are more prepared and even though Kenyon is an aggressive team, I think it will be a match that will show the skill that each player on this team has worked for."

Co-captain senior Koji Ebersole said that, "We have a shot at winning our first match against Kenyon. If we do that then I feel we will be tough against all the other competitors."

Against Ohio Wesleyan, the Yeomen nailed the Battling Bishops in their place. Number three, four and five singles and all three doubles dominated their opponents. Sophomore Sam Steckley and co-captain sophomore Peter Swendson won 8-6 at number one doubles. Ebersole and sophomore Mike O'Connell defeated the Bishops 8-4. Sophomore Eric Shin and first-year Wes Clapp trampled over their competition 8-5.

"This is the first match where we have swept all three doubles," Barker said.

In singles the men took no prisoners. Steckley at three won 6-3, 6-1. O"Connell and Swendson at five and six singles bageled (6-0, 6-0) their opponents. The losses of the day came at number one, two, and six singles. "Captain Koji and Tony have high team spirit and continue taking a beating for the team, while three, four and five carried us through the match. At number six Eric Shin had an off day in singles but played tough in doubles, " Barker said.