“The 2015 UW Oshkosh men’s tennis team may be young, but what the team lacks in experience it makes up in hard work and determination.
Head coach Daniel Bickett said he understands the challenge of a young team, but is pleased with how the team is progressing.
“If there were three words used to describe this year’s team, I’d say committed, determined and tenacious,” Bickett said.
With a total of 11 ranked opponents on the team’s schedule, the Titans’ season will be challenging, but the squad is looking forward to the task.
Bickett said the level of difficulty of the schedule isn’t an accident.
“We’ve played four teams that are regionally ranked, and we have to play seven more regionally ranked teams,” Bickett said.
Bickett said if the team can put together a good enough résumé throughout the year by playing ranked teams they may be able to earn an NCAA tournament bid.
Senior Aidan Sauberlich said he couldn’t be more pleased with how well the team has been playing together.
“I love the work ethic from the young guys, especially day in and day out,” Sauberlich said. Junior David La Grange said he takes pride in the chemistry between his teammates, whether in a competitive nature or in a more laid-back, playful one.
“We pride ourselves on how well we interact with one another and how we are there for each other if we need a laugh, a pat on the bacak or someone to hit with,” La Grange said.
La Grange said effort is one of the most important things for the team this season.
“When you have to win five out of nine points to win a match, we all have to be giving 110 percent everyday for the betterment of the team,” La Grange said.
An NCAA tournament bid certainly is not out of the question at this point, but La Grange said the team knows achieving such a goal will be difficult.
“We realize that we must continue to develop and tune our game if we hope to fulfill our goal of receiving a national bid,” Le Grange said.
The Titans currently hold an overall record of 3-6. The team is riding a two-match win streak, both of which were won at home.
Next on the schedule will be a match against Carthage College on Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m. at Carthage College.”
