The top 10 ranked U of D tennis team can make a statement this season, especially this October at the state tournament in Kalamazoo.
Few students at U of D know that the tennis team is one of the strongest programs in the school. The Cubs are consistently ranked in the top 10, with a multitude of regional titles and a second-place finish at states. Once again, the successful program has state tournament glory in its sights. The Cubs have entered the season ranked 6th in Division 2. So far, the team is 5-2-1 in Division 2 competition, but more challenges are yet to come. The season heated up this past week, beginning two Saturdays ago when the Cubs faced four top 8 teams at the Grosse Pointe North Invitational. They placed 4th out of 8 teams, in what ended up being a mediocre result. The Cubs were outmatched in the most important stages of matches, such as in several first-to-ten-point match tiebreaks, and several leads were let slip. The weekend was a learning experience for the young team, which features two freshmen in two of the most important spots in the lineup. This past Saturday, the Cubs defeated the number 2 team in the state and tied the number 3 team. They were much tougher in high-pressure match tiebreaks. Senior Will Cahill and freshman Roman Vuljaj won their matches in third-set tiebreaks to secure the tie with third-ranked Seaholm. As even more top-10 competition approaches, the Cubs are bound to face more high-pressure situations. This time, they will be experienced and ready to make a statement. They have many upcoming opportunities to assert themselves as true contenders.
The team is more focused than ever, thanks to the efforts of Coach Kevin McGuffie, who has built a culture of grit and hard work. He consistently builds up his players and instills positive mantras and values to be used throughout each practice and match. Senior captain Dimitri Goffas said that “Coach has built an incredible culture” and he has “built an idea of fighting for the team.” Now Goffas feels that “winning isn’t just for yourself but for the team… and that didn’t exist before McGuffie was there.” McGuffie’s culture and team building have greatly improved team unity and belief. Belief is particularly strong within the team’s senior players. Goffas believes that “our chances at states are better than they ever have been.” He continued, “We have the talent and I know we have the energy… I think it’s in the bag.” Senior and team chaplain Arun Kensora said, “I personally feel that we have a strong chance of both improving our ranking as the season progresses and performing well during states.” He has noticed that “everybody seems to care more” this year, and they are all “willing to put in the grit and effort it takes to win a state championship.” The sentiment around the team is overwhelmingly positive, and they are going to be something to watch this year for Cub sports fans.
As it has in the past, the U of D tennis team is going under the radar, since tennis is a niche sport. But all fans of U of D sports ought to recognize the potential that is brewing within U of D tennis. Every other perennial contender has graduated top players from last year. The state tournament is wide open this season, and the Cubs can go out and take it in Kalamazoo.
