By Ian Snowdeal
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD โThe Springfield College menโs tennis team suffered its 8th loss of the season to the Babson Beavers (11-4) in New England Menโs and Womenโs Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) play on Senior night at Appleton Courts.
Springfield was down 8-0 to the Beavers until lone senior Court Honda capped off his terrific Pride career by knocking off All-NEWMAC Rookie of the Year Andre Libnic in straight sets 6-4, 7-5.
Throughout the match, Honda was battling hand cramps but remained in the match despite the nagging pain. Head Coach Mike Louis said of the match, โBeing able to persevere and sticking to whatโs the plan, we told him you donโt know if the cramping is going to get any worse but you do know if you play Court Honda tennis you are going to win.โ
โThat was a really quick four years,โ said Honda, โBabson is really good and Iโve never won singles against Babson, this was a really good senior game.โ
Over his career at Springfield Honda has been awarded with both All-NEWMAC singles and doubles awards. Honda has posted a 9-4 record at No. 1 singles this season and recorded an 8-5 record last season at No. 2 singles.
Court has performed since he arrived on campus four years ago and has continued to develop into Springfieldโs most complete player. Head Coach Mike Louis said, โHe leads by example, he leads by how he prepares, practices and competes.โ
Although the rest of the Pride lost their matches Coach Louis said, โEach match theyโre getting better, theyโre getting cleaner. We are learning a lot about ourselves.โ With two regular season matches remaining the Pride will continue to better develop themselves for next season.
This Saturday, the men will travel to take on NEWMAC foe MIT for a match starting at 10:30 in the morning.
Photo courtesy Springfield College Athletics