BY D.J RANKINS
Photo Credit: @stonehillmten on instagram
The Stonehill College Men's Tennis team had a 7-0 record for the fall semester playing against Division II and Division III teams. Now, as Stonehill makes its transition to Division I, the competition has heated up.
Senior Christian Duffy said playing on a Divison I team was always his dream.
"It's something that I have always wanted to achieve. Playing through high school, the goal was always to get to the Division I level. I made it here in an unorthodox way, but I can’t wait to have the opportunity to prove myself. Our team, as well as the coaching staff, understand what's in front of us; now we just need to take it," he said.
The team had a tough start on February 4, losing matches against Boston College, Boston University, Holy Cross, and Merrimack. Despite this outcome, players said that they were not discouraged.
Senior Ben Simmons, who has been sidelined with an elbow injury, said the loss highlights the challenges that they will face.
"It's not the outcome we wanted, but it was one that shows how extreme this transition is. Some of these schools have been in Division I for a long time and have a leg up when it comes to recruiting,” he said.
“When looking back on these first games, we need to find the individual victories. While guys did not win full sets, they did win points, and there is something to be said for that,” Simmons said.
The team will face plenty of competition this spring and will continue to improve and get adjusted to competing at a Division I level.
Senior Luke Nickerson said he expects the team will learn from its earlier losses as they enter upcoming matches.
"I just want to see a clear change in energy from these past matches to the next ones. I think that we were instantly intimidated, and that played into each match. We know that we belong here, and I can’t wait to have another opportunity to prove it," he said.
The team will play next at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.
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