The Mac Weekly

Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Christopher Mitchell / Sportshotphoto.com Panache. Men's Tennis Captain Brad Goldstein '08 has the headband, the hair, and that certain je ne sais quoi that could lead the Scots on an improbable run toward the playoffs.

First, the bad news: Macalester men's and women's tennis suffered defeats by wide margins at the hands of their St. Thomas counterparts last week. The good news: despite these respective setbacks against their Summit Avenue rivals, both teams are playing the best tennis Mac has seen in years.

At 4-2, the women in particular have made the case that they are one of the MIAC's elite teams.

"From the beginning our goal was to make the conference tournament," Captain Jenna Harris '08 said. "That looks like it shouldn't be a problem for us."

The top six conference teams qualify for the end of the year tournament, and with Macalester tied for third with St. Benedict's, Harris' confidence seems justified.

The loss to St. Thomas ended a five-match winning streak and came as a blow to the Scots who thought they could compete for the league's second spot.

Angie Horner '10 improved her team best singles record to 12-1, but picked up the only victory in the match. The team's other MIAC loss came against nationally-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College.

In spite of the rough match, Harris thinks that the Scots can challenge any other team and their record so far suggests this is true. Macalester has slammed most of its league opposition this season, beating St Mary's, St. Kate's and Hamline all by a score of 8-1.

"We're kicking some butt," Harris said. "When you have a team that you really like and like playing for, you tend to care more about the matches; you don't want to let the team down."

Chemistry and coaching have played a role in turning around a program that won only one game in 2006. Harris credits the enthusiasm and support of her teammates, but also Head Coach Jason Muhl and his efforts to rebuild the Scots after past difficulties.

"The team has done outstanding," Harris said. "This is definitely the best season from my four years at Mac."

Men's tennis is also unquestionably having their best season since 2005. With a 2-3 record in the MIAC, the Scots have won more conference matches than they did in the past three years combined.

Continued...

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