If anyone who is going to be at Indoors this weekend is interested in writing some guest articles for the blog, please e-mail me. It would be great to have someone who can relay the dramatic moments, and I would love to keep the blog as up-to-date as possible. For instance, if someone saves 3 match points, serving at 4-5 in the third set, breaks the next game, and wins the match, that's something that cannot be captured by a box score. So please e-mail me if you're going to be there and have an interest in writing
As for results this week...
#6 Cruz def. #26 Bates 6-3
A huge bounce back match for Cruz as they prepare for Indoors, but they didn't answer all of the questions surrounding the team at the moment. What is up with Erich Koenig? And what is going on with the Nurenberg/Scandalis doubles team? Those are problems that need to be fixed before tomorrow.
#15 Redlands def. Washington & Lee 6-3
These two teams had a great battle at the top of the singles lineup, and this match is more proof that the Generals are pretty good this year. It also shows that the Bulldogs are back to their battling ways, and that they are extremely deep this year. I look forward to seeing more results from both of these teams.
#20 Cal Lu def. #24 Brandeis 7-2
I don't know whether to take this as a good sign or a bad sign for the Kingsmen. For one, they dominated a nationally ranked team, but they only did one match better than Occidental. Ballou lost his singles match, which needs to not happen if Cal Lu wants to try to repeat its 2010 success. The fact that Sousa is playing 6, however, bodes well for Cal Lu.
Showing posts with label Redlands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Redlands. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Weekend (Non-Indoors) Predictions
Carnegie Mellon's Vinit Palayekar
There are some matchups happening this weekend that are worthy of recognition, but once Indoors starts, I will probably not pay attention to anything else. Here are my predictions for those matches:
Saturday
#21 Wisconsin-Whitewater @ Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo has proven that they are tough, especially on their home courts, but there's a really safe way to view this match: Whitewater beat Chicago 5-4. Kalamazoo lost to Chicago 5-4. Whitewater swept Chicago in doubles. Chicago swept Kalamazoo in doubles. I think these two teams will end up splitting the singles, but Whitewater has been really good in doubles and Kalamazoo has been atrocious. Unless something has changed drastically in the way the Hornets play doubles in the last week, I have to take the Warhawks in this one. 6-3.
#17 Carnegie Mellon vs. Luther
Luther got demolished by Whitewater two weeks ago. Sure, Whitewater is especially good this year, and CMU might be in for a down year, but I just can't pick the upset in this one. Luther apparently has two good singles players, but if they can't win in doubles, they have no chance. This is the first look we'll have at CMU this year, but until they prove that they're especially bad this year, I'll have to go with the Tartans by a score of 7-2.
#24 Brandeis @ #15 Redlands
Redlands starts its D3 schedule tomorrow against Bates, but I think it's safe to say that Bates is significantly better than Brandeis this year after the Judges' loss to Oxy. The only way I see this match being close is if the Bulldogs completely let down after a big win tomorrow. Again, Redlands have looked good this year so far, but they are prone to weird performances. Plus, the Judges will definitely be acclimated by the time they play Redlands. I think Brandeis will play its best match of the trip against Redlands but still lose 8-1.
Luther @ #16 Depauw
I consider CMU and Depauw to be a lot alike this year. Both teams competing for a Pool C bid and flying a little bit below the radar. The difference is that Depauw now has a significant blemish on its record already, so they have to play balls-to-the-wall for the rest of the season if they want to make the tournament. I think they will eventually have to take their foot off the gas, but there's no way that happens in their first big match after the upset. Depauw, 8-1.
#26 Bates @ #5 CMS
Bates, quite simply, has no chance to win this match. It's scary to me that the Stags can use teams ranked in the 20's as warm ups, but they have certainly have a well-planned schedule this year. 9-0 Claremont.
Sunday
#17 Carnegie Mellon @ #16 Depauw
If you ignore the state of Minnesota, this is the match of the weekend. After being upset by Case last weekend, Depauw absolutely cannot afford to lose this match, but the Tartans need it almost as bad. Losing to a Pool C competitor is always incredibly damaging. Given Chicago's start, Pool C looks a little bit more open to both of these teams, but neither can afford to lose this one. Depauw has the slight advantage of playing on their home courts, but that didn't help them last weekend. CMU, however, hasn't played a significant DIII match yet. I think last weekend's experience ends up making the difference in this match, and Depauw wins a 5-4 thriller.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Weekly (Non-Indoors) Predictions
I thought I would just post a few predictions for the significant matches that will be taking place this week not in Minnesota. These aren't really well though out (because that has been working so well for me), and they're really just meant as a jumping off point for discussion, so please comment if you've got a good feel for any of these
#26 Bates @ #6 Cruz
I didn't really take much of a look at this match when I first saw it because Cruz losing to Bates on its home courts was pretty much unthinkable. But since they lost to the #29 team, I figured it's possible that they lose to the #26 team. The Slugs absolutely have to come out fired up for this one and improve on their doubles performance against Whitman. If they take at least a 2-1 lead, I think they cruise to a victory. On the other hand, Bates is stronger than their ranking indicates, and they should be especially strong in singles. If they manage to take a couple doubles matches, watch out. I can't pick against Cruz on their home courts, though, and match experience might be a factor this early in the season. I'll take the Slugs, 7-2.
Washington & Lee @ #15 Redlands
I think I said this before, but the Generals are stronger than their lack-of-ranking indicates. They played and competed extremely well against Hopkins. If we're predicting that Hopkins will be a top 10 team this year, that should mean that W&L has a chance against Redlands, but the Generals were closest in doubles against the Blue Jays, and the Bulldogs have always been phenomenal at doubles. Redlands has also had some pretty impressive non-DIII results early this season, beating a couple top 15 NAIA teams. Redlands probably sweeps doubles and rolls in singles for a 8-1 victory.
#24 Brandeis @ #20 Cal Lu
On the ranking sheet, these two teams are only a couple rows apart, but Cal Lu is trending up and Brandeis is probably going the other way. The Judges also might have trouble adjusting to the California climate, and Cal Lu has improved depth and will be pumped up for their first home match. I will be looking at this box score intently to see exactly how much the Kingsmen have improved deep in their singles lineup. Until they prove that they can win there against ranked teams, I'm going to assume they will lose, but still pick them to repeat their 6-3 victory from last season.
Washington & Lee @ #5 CMS
I wonder if some of Settles' 4-stars that spend time on the bench will get in for this one. 9-0 Stags.
#26 Bates @ #15 Redlands
I think this match will be an absolute battle. As I mentioned, Bates is better than their ranking indicates, and by the time they get down to Redlands, they will have adjusted to the time zone and probably be pretty acclimated to the weather. Without Redlands' results from earlier this year, I would have had this as a possible upset. But since the Bulldogs have played well so far this season, I don't think I can pick against them on their home courts. I think Redlands will take 2 out of 3 dubs, and pull out a 5-4 victory in singles.
That's it for this post, I'll do another for Indoors, and a short one for the other weekend matches (because they matter too, just not as much for the national championship picture). I'm also going to try to take a look at singles and doubles rankings from the regions, but I think it might be a little early for that, and I might wait until after spring break. That's enough out of me. Hope everyone had a great President's Day!
#26 Bates @ #6 Cruz
I didn't really take much of a look at this match when I first saw it because Cruz losing to Bates on its home courts was pretty much unthinkable. But since they lost to the #29 team, I figured it's possible that they lose to the #26 team. The Slugs absolutely have to come out fired up for this one and improve on their doubles performance against Whitman. If they take at least a 2-1 lead, I think they cruise to a victory. On the other hand, Bates is stronger than their ranking indicates, and they should be especially strong in singles. If they manage to take a couple doubles matches, watch out. I can't pick against Cruz on their home courts, though, and match experience might be a factor this early in the season. I'll take the Slugs, 7-2.
Washington & Lee @ #15 Redlands
I think I said this before, but the Generals are stronger than their lack-of-ranking indicates. They played and competed extremely well against Hopkins. If we're predicting that Hopkins will be a top 10 team this year, that should mean that W&L has a chance against Redlands, but the Generals were closest in doubles against the Blue Jays, and the Bulldogs have always been phenomenal at doubles. Redlands has also had some pretty impressive non-DIII results early this season, beating a couple top 15 NAIA teams. Redlands probably sweeps doubles and rolls in singles for a 8-1 victory.
#24 Brandeis @ #20 Cal Lu
On the ranking sheet, these two teams are only a couple rows apart, but Cal Lu is trending up and Brandeis is probably going the other way. The Judges also might have trouble adjusting to the California climate, and Cal Lu has improved depth and will be pumped up for their first home match. I will be looking at this box score intently to see exactly how much the Kingsmen have improved deep in their singles lineup. Until they prove that they can win there against ranked teams, I'm going to assume they will lose, but still pick them to repeat their 6-3 victory from last season.
Washington & Lee @ #5 CMS
I wonder if some of Settles' 4-stars that spend time on the bench will get in for this one. 9-0 Stags.
#26 Bates @ #15 Redlands
I think this match will be an absolute battle. As I mentioned, Bates is better than their ranking indicates, and by the time they get down to Redlands, they will have adjusted to the time zone and probably be pretty acclimated to the weather. Without Redlands' results from earlier this year, I would have had this as a possible upset. But since the Bulldogs have played well so far this season, I don't think I can pick against them on their home courts. I think Redlands will take 2 out of 3 dubs, and pull out a 5-4 victory in singles.
That's it for this post, I'll do another for Indoors, and a short one for the other weekend matches (because they matter too, just not as much for the national championship picture). I'm also going to try to take a look at singles and doubles rankings from the regions, but I think it might be a little early for that, and I might wait until after spring break. That's enough out of me. Hope everyone had a great President's Day!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Season Preview #15: Redlands
#15 Redlands
General Discussion
Let's take a quick moment to recognize the halfway point of season previews...... that was fun. Let's jump into a short discussion on Redlands. It's been a rough couple years for the once-great Redlands team. The old strategy of not traveling at all and giving every single player "merit-based" financial aid doesn't seem to be as effective anymore, but they need a niche that keeps them competitive in an environment dominated by academically prestigious schools. The Bulldogs seem to be perpetually in transition, and it's hard to predict who will stay on the team from one year to the next, but the incoming recruiting class at least has the potential to provide some sort of stability into the future, something this team desperately needs if they want to reclaim their place in the top ten.
Where They'll Win
Redlands played sneaky-good doubles last year. They won doubles against Cal Lu twice, P-P twice, Middlebury, and came within a couple late breaks of sweeping Emory. Even though they will be switching out many of their doubles players, I expect them to play good doubles again this season. They always bring tons of energy into a match, and I think that helps them compete exceptionally well as a team for 40-minutes. The problem for them is probably maintaining that energy for a 4- or 5-hour match. Regardless, the Bulldogs have always been a strong doubles team, and that will probably continue this season.
Where They'll Lose
Redlands suffered a couple heart-breaking losses last year. They lost three matches 7-5 or 7-6 in the third to lose against Trinity (CT). They lost a third set with the match tied 4-4 against P-P the first time they played. And then they got swept by P-P in singles the second time, despite winning two out of three doubles and four first sets. I don't know if they're out of shape, worn down from the heat and their brutal schedule, or if it's a mental thing, but it seems like they are beatable if you can keep them on the court for a long time. With regard to position, I don't think that they're particularly weak at any position. Dahl and Hyde should provide a solid base at the top of the lineup, and between the returning starters and the freshmen, we can expect them to be exceptionally deep. With Redlands, like Hopkins, it might not be so much a matter of where they'll lose as it is a matter of when. They will have to get over some of the mental scarring from last season if they want to make it back in the top 10, but for the first time in a long time, they might not have the talent to do it anyways.
Schedule Analysis
Redlands actually starts competing in a couple of days, but their D3 schedule doesn't start for a few more weeks. Like always, the Bulldogs will be playing a ton of ranked teams, and like always, they will all be on their home courts (with the exception of SCIAC matches). If they want to get back into Pool C, they need to beat one of Trinity (TX), Williams, Cruz, CMS, or P-P without accumulating bad losses against Bates, Tyler, MWU, Brandeis, Cal Lu, etc. etc. etc. I feel like Redlands has always tried to get into the tournament by the law of averages. If they play enough good teams, they're bound to play a great match once, get one good win, and use that to distinguish themselves from the rest of the Pool C teams, as they've always been solid enough to avoid an upset. D3 tennis is getting better, though, and it might be harder for them to avoid an upset now than it has ever been before.
Prediction
Redlands' success this year depends so much on their freshman class that I don't even want to try. I will probably look dumb for this later, but I think they're going to lose to either Cal Lu or Mary Washington this year and see themselves drop outside the top 15 for the first time in a long time.
Patrick Lipscomb (Fr.)
General Discussion
Let's take a quick moment to recognize the halfway point of season previews...... that was fun. Let's jump into a short discussion on Redlands. It's been a rough couple years for the once-great Redlands team. The old strategy of not traveling at all and giving every single player "merit-based" financial aid doesn't seem to be as effective anymore, but they need a niche that keeps them competitive in an environment dominated by academically prestigious schools. The Bulldogs seem to be perpetually in transition, and it's hard to predict who will stay on the team from one year to the next, but the incoming recruiting class at least has the potential to provide some sort of stability into the future, something this team desperately needs if they want to reclaim their place in the top ten.
Where They'll Win
Redlands played sneaky-good doubles last year. They won doubles against Cal Lu twice, P-P twice, Middlebury, and came within a couple late breaks of sweeping Emory. Even though they will be switching out many of their doubles players, I expect them to play good doubles again this season. They always bring tons of energy into a match, and I think that helps them compete exceptionally well as a team for 40-minutes. The problem for them is probably maintaining that energy for a 4- or 5-hour match. Regardless, the Bulldogs have always been a strong doubles team, and that will probably continue this season.
Where They'll Lose
Redlands suffered a couple heart-breaking losses last year. They lost three matches 7-5 or 7-6 in the third to lose against Trinity (CT). They lost a third set with the match tied 4-4 against P-P the first time they played. And then they got swept by P-P in singles the second time, despite winning two out of three doubles and four first sets. I don't know if they're out of shape, worn down from the heat and their brutal schedule, or if it's a mental thing, but it seems like they are beatable if you can keep them on the court for a long time. With regard to position, I don't think that they're particularly weak at any position. Dahl and Hyde should provide a solid base at the top of the lineup, and between the returning starters and the freshmen, we can expect them to be exceptionally deep. With Redlands, like Hopkins, it might not be so much a matter of where they'll lose as it is a matter of when. They will have to get over some of the mental scarring from last season if they want to make it back in the top 10, but for the first time in a long time, they might not have the talent to do it anyways.
Schedule Analysis
Redlands actually starts competing in a couple of days, but their D3 schedule doesn't start for a few more weeks. Like always, the Bulldogs will be playing a ton of ranked teams, and like always, they will all be on their home courts (with the exception of SCIAC matches). If they want to get back into Pool C, they need to beat one of Trinity (TX), Williams, Cruz, CMS, or P-P without accumulating bad losses against Bates, Tyler, MWU, Brandeis, Cal Lu, etc. etc. etc. I feel like Redlands has always tried to get into the tournament by the law of averages. If they play enough good teams, they're bound to play a great match once, get one good win, and use that to distinguish themselves from the rest of the Pool C teams, as they've always been solid enough to avoid an upset. D3 tennis is getting better, though, and it might be harder for them to avoid an upset now than it has ever been before.
Prediction
Redlands' success this year depends so much on their freshman class that I don't even want to try. I will probably look dumb for this later, but I think they're going to lose to either Cal Lu or Mary Washington this year and see themselves drop outside the top 15 for the first time in a long time.
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