Binghamton’s loss to America East foe Stony Brook last week might have been just what the team needed.
“After that match, we took a look in the mirror and figured out where we need to head from here,” said head coach Michael Starke. “We wanted to improve basic doubles strategy, game plan and execution.”
The men’s tennis team (14-6) seems to have figured it out, as the Bearcats defeated visiting Fairleigh Dickinson 6-1 on Tuesday afternoon by winning the doubles point and then five of six singles matches.
The Bearcats cruised at No. 2 through No. 6 singles, where FDU managed to win just 10 games. FDU’s lone point came at No. 1 singles where Albert Neresyan defeated Richemn Mourad 7-6 (6), ret.
“He [Mourad] was down 5-0 and fought back, but he was sick and you could tell he wasn’t feeling good,” Starke said.
Even with the easy win, however, Starke still had some concerns.
“We were a superior team, but we brought out some bad intensity,” Starke said. “I think it starts from practice. We need to get fired up, get focused and have good work habits.”
Binghamton will host its final regular season match of the year against Buffalo today on the West Gym Courts at 3:00 p.m. This is a big match for the Bearcats, not just to celebrate the seniors’ careers, but because it gives BU one final chance to work out its kinks before the America East tournament, beginning next weekend at Yale. The Bearcats are expected to meet Stony Brook in the finals for the fourth straight year.
“We are one step away from being perfect,” Starke said. “Things happen for a reason and perhaps it’s a needed wake up call for this team.”