WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. – It was just past 10 pm on Sunday night when sophomore
Matt Kandel clinched the match over Tufts to conclude a dual match marathon. Tufts, fresh off a win over Middlebury on Saturday, battled well against the Ephs, but crucial three-set victories made all the difference for the Ephs.
The doubles tie was locked at 1 a piece until junior
Karan Amin, partnered alongside first year
Shawn Berdia, served out the match at #2 doubles to secure a 8-6 victory. In the first batch of singles matches, junior
Chase Cohen and senior
Michael Medvedev extended their matches to three sets. Cohen, finding his rhythm as the match progressed, was dominant in the final set, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Medvedev fought brilliantly throughout his final set but fell just short of the finish line. Junior
Karan Amin fell in straight sets in a similarly exhausting and physical match.
The dual match was once again even at 3 all until first year
Shawn Berdia delivered a commanding and confident performance at #4 singles, winning 6-0, 6-4. Kandel and senior
Kirun Cheung were the last Ephs remaining as both battled in three sets after winning the first set of their matches. Kandel, ever so cool, calm, and collected, served out the final game at 5-4, clinching the dual match. Not too long after, Cheung secured a three-set victory, presenting the Ephs with a 6-3 victory over the Jumbos.
Reflecting on the win, head coach
Dan Greenberg stated – "It was so fun to have such a crazy match this early in the year. It really felt like the post-season with both sides battling to the final point, and I think that experience will really serve us well going forward."
The team will now train in preparation for their spring trip to Southern California where they will take on Point Loma on Monday, March 21 at 3 pm PST.
