As far as competitions go, yesterday's men's tennis match looked more like a practice. But if that was indeed the case, according to Coach Jan Bortner, Penn State has a few more things to work on.
The Nittany Lions slaughtered Robert Morris, 7-0, yesterday at the Penn State Tennis Club, shutting them out in singles competition and winning the doubles point 8-0, 8-0, 8-0.
"It wasn't really a big surprise, we knew we had a pretty strong doubles team," Michael Tain said, but added that "we weren't expecting to kill them as easily as we did."
Such easy competition allowed some of the players a chance to work on their respective games and gave Bortner an opportunity to see some of his younger players in action. Sophomore Doug Schoenly beat Jason Gray, 6-1, 6-4, in singles and freshman Marc Dimino teamed with sophomore Eric Bocan to beat their doubles opponents, 8-0.
"I was pleased with some of the guys that got some action today that haven't played on a regular basis for us," Bortner said. "Once we get into the Big Ten schedule then the guys in back up roles . . . don't get to see much action."
The veteran stars did just as convincing a job. Junior Ivan Spinner defeated Marc Kepple, 6-0, 6-1 and senior Chad Skorupka didn't allow a point from Alex Hills. But, although they may have dominated their opponents yesterday, Bortner saw some critical weaknesses in his veterans.
"A couple of them still are not moving well enough. They're lazy on their feet and they're not recovering quickly enough," Bortner said, "A couple of them are still not quick enough to the net."
Robert Morris wasn't much of an obstacle for the Lions to overcome, Bortner explained. But with two critical Big Ten matches coming up against Purdue and Illinois, the team must iron out its wrinkles in order to win.
"If we don't we're going to be in trouble," he said.
Penn State will be able to test its skills against a slightly more challenging opponent in St. Bonaventure, at 3 p.m., tomorrow at the Penn State Tennis Club.
"Tomorrow we'll get a good warm-up," Skorupka said. "If we play well, get a good, solid effort, hopefully we'll come out victorious."
