Men's South Dakota State Box Score
Women's South Dakota State Box Score
Men's Colgate Box Score
Women's Colgate Box Score
Men's Morehead State Box Score
Women's Morehead State Box Score
Women's North Dakota Box Score
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Hartford men's and women's tennis teams had a busy spring break, playing a total of seven matches over the week in Orlando. Both teams fell to South Dakota State, Colgate and Morehead State. The women's team also added a match against North Dakota, which they dropped, 7-0.
"A trip like this was exactly what this program needed," head coach Michael Raymond said. "It allowed both teams the opportunity to bond with each other as well as to play some good tennis."
Although the Hawks could not emerge from Florida with any victories, there were bright spots for the teams in their matches. Both teams showed a strength at the top doubles position. Aneil Bhalla and Marco Neves claimed an 8-5 victory against South Dakota State, while Livia Blasque and Margaret Sabatino defeated South Dakota State 8-2 and North Dakota 8-6.
The Hawks claimed points in both the men's and women's matches against Colgate. For the women, Blasque knocked off Colgate's Elise DeRose at the Number One singles position, 7-5, 6-1. On the men's side, Josh Isaacson claimed victory at Number Two singles, taking down Phil Bernasek 7-6, 6-3.
The results were not what the teams would have wanted, but Raymond said that in the long run, these matches will serve the Hawks well as they advance into America East conference play.
"We really battled against some teams that mirror the ones we play against up north," he explained. "It was great preparation for the rest of our season and a great experience for everyone involved."
Hartford's women's team will be back in action on March 24, taking on Fairfield at home at 3 p.m. Weather permitting, the match is scheduled to take place on the outdoor courts. The men will next play on March 26 when they visit Sacred Heart at 2:30.
