Are any teams going to defeat the unbeatable Suffolk University men’s tennis team? As of right now, it sure doesn’t seem like anyone stands a chance.
The Rams have rolled by clubs this season, as they are currently 8-0 and stand comfortably at the top of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. Norwich has the second-best record in the GNAC, and they are only 4-4.
Suffolk has been crushing all squads they have played this season, but it’s nothing new. Last year, they finished with a perfect 11-0 record and won their second consecutive GNAC championship. It is obvious that the Rams are trying to prove they can create a dynasty.
Suffolk has recieved contributions this season from every player on the team. The team is an incredible 39-3 overall in singles play this year, and an equally amazing 20-1 overall in doubles.
Six players on the club are undefeated in singles play this year, starting with senior Justin Ayoub, who is 7-0. Hubert Cromback, John Samander, and Harlan Strader are all 6-0, while Chris Staley is 5-0.
Freshman Albert Buruga is 2-0 and Vassili Stroganov is 1-0. Dachuan Zhu and Sean Cullen have both been impressive this year too, as Zhu is 3-1 and Cullen is 3-2 in singles play this year.
The doubles play has also been outstanding for the Rams this season. Cromback and Samander are a perfect 6-0, while Cullen and Staley, as well as Buruga and Strader, are 5-0.
The team of Daniel Kelly and Thay Thao are 2-0 this season, and Kelly is also 1-0 when teamed with Stroganov. Ayoub and Zhu are 1-1 as a pair this season.
In recent matches, Suffolk defeated Curry, 7-2, this past Monday, and all the players contributed in the victory. The Rams opened the match with a sweep in the doubles play, as Samander and Staley won their match, 8-2, at the No. 1 spot. Buruga and Zhu won their match 9-8 (8-6) at the No. 2 spot and Ayoub and Stroganov got a victory in their match 8-2 at the No. 3 spot.
Suffolk also won in the singles competition and got wins from Samander, Staley, Stroganov and Thao.
Last Thursday, Suffolk edged out Bridgewater St., 7-2, and they again got victories from many players in the single matches. Cullen and Staley won their matches in straight sets, and they also continued their solid day by winning two out of three in doubles play.
On April 11, Suffolk overwhelmed Salem St. as they won easily, 8-1. Ayoub, Cullen, Cromback, Staley and Strader recorded victories for Suffolk in their matches. Cullen and Staley also won their doubles match.
The Rams have two matches left this regular season, as they play at Babson on Thursday and at Johnson & Wales on Saturday. Then it’s off to the GNAC tournament for Suffolk, where they will try to add another championship.
Head Coach Steve Counihan and assistants Isaac Stahl as well as Eliot Jia will make sure to have their team prepared for the postseason.
As of right now, it doesn’t look like any teams are going to stop the Rams, as they have proven for three consecutive years now that they are the best in the GNAC.
