By: Greg Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer
The Springfield College men’s tennis team dominated Endicott College Wednesday afternoon at the Appleton Courts, defeating the Gulls, 7-2.
With four freshmen on the team, the Pride appeared to be building for the future while all players, young and old, continued to shine.
Springfield freshman Tanner DeVarennes proved why he is the team’s No. 1 player as he defeated Evan Ross in straight sets (6-3, 7-6, 4-0), while fellow freshman Justin Danielewicz and Kyle Beynor took care of their opponents in straight sets as well.
Beynor was happy with his performance and the way his team is doing so far in the early season.
“We’re coming along and we are learning from our experience,” said Beynor.
Senior captain Joe Giannelli followed the underclassmen’s lead and triumphed over Mike Dolph, (4-6, 6-4, 7-5).
The Pride also received insurance from doubles partners, junior Cody Rodrigues and sophomore Joshua Robinson, who defeated their opponents as well.
Giannelli is a vital part of the team and head coach Toby Coffin could not express how important he is in the development of this young team.
“He is by far a great leader and everyone on the team respects him,” said Coffin.
Even though it is still the offseason, the Pride are gradually showing improvement every match.
Coffin was pleased with his team’s effort as a whole.
“It was a huge win. We’re a young team and we faced a good opponent,” said Coffin.
It was very critical that the Pride’s freshmen continued to improve.
With the success they had Wednesday, Coffin is confident with what he has for the future.
“All my freshmen have high tennis IQs. They all come in ready to play,” added Coffin.
The Pride will play again on Friday, September 27, in the New England Championships in Middlebury, Vt.
Greg Fitzpatrick can be reached at gfitzpatrick@springfieldcollege.edu