In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, the Wesleyan men’s tennis team secured a 5-2 victory over Hamilton College. This match marked their third consecutive win since returning from Spring Break, showcasing their resilience and prowess on the John Wood Memorial Courts. Despite a challenging doubles performance that initially placed them behind, the Cardinals demonstrated exceptional singles play to reclaim their lead and secure the win. Key players such as Brett Keeling, Max Lustgarten, Chase Kasday, JT Bilski, and Harry Collomb played pivotal roles in turning the game around, culminating in a thrilling finish against formidable opponents.
On March 29th, under the bright afternoon sun in Middletown, Connecticut, the No. 24 Wesleyan Cardinals faced off against Hamilton College in their first New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) match post-Spring Break. The initial setback came during doubles play, where the Continentals managed to edge ahead by one point. However, this minor disadvantage did little to deter the Cardinals' spirit. In singles competition, Brett Keeling quickly established momentum with a decisive victory at No. 5, defeating his opponent in straight sets with scores of 6-1, 6-4. His swift and dominant play set the tone for the rest of the team.
Max Lustgarten followed suit at the No. 3 position, engaging in a more contested match against Anson Anderson. After securing the first set with relative ease, Lustgarten encountered stiff resistance in the second, ultimately prevailing with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-5. Meanwhile, Chase Kasday delivered another critical win at No. 6, overcoming Antonio Chavez in a tightly contested encounter with a final tally of 6-4, 6-4. These victories bolstered the Cardinals’ confidence as they awaited the outcomes of the top two singles matches.
The drama intensified at the higher levels of singles play. JT Bilski, positioned at No. 1, found himself trailing after losing the first set in a tiebreak. Demonstrating remarkable composure, he rebounded strongly to take the second set 6-2 and dominate the third without conceding a single game, sealing the deal with a comprehensive 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-0 triumph. Similarly, Harry Collomb at No. 2 provided a nail-biting conclusion, winning the first set 7-5 before succumbing in a tiebreak in the second. Undeterred, Collomb surged ahead in the decisive third set, prevailing 10-7 to clinch victory for the Cardinals.
With this inspiring win, the Wesleyan Cardinals have set their sights firmly on their next challenge. On Sunday, March 30th, they will host the ninth-ranked Amherst team, aiming to extend their winning streak and further cement their status within the conference. Their recent performances underscore the team's depth and versatility, promising fans an exciting matchup filled with high-stakes action and tactical brilliance.