Many college students enjoy a fun-filled spring break soaking up rays, fraternizing on beaches and enjoying a beverage of choice, perhaps two.
This was not the case for the Otterbein Men's and Women's Tennis teams. Instead of working on their tans, they fine-tuned their baseline strokes and first serves.
"In the winter, we have three matches in a three-week span, but it's not rigorous like Florida," said Senior Captain Tyler Stephen.
The men brought home a modest 1-3 record. Their 6-3 victory over Webber International was the team's first win in the Sunshine State since 2005.
The Cards also won more courts this trip, 13 total, than their three previous trips to Florida combined.
"We got better each match," said men's head coach Gerry D'Arcy. "Our competition wasn't as strong as years past, but we still played against some very solid teams."
Even more satisfying is the fact that the Cardinals were without a healthy Tyler Stephen, who's in his third year of holding down the first singles and doubles court for the Tan & Cardinal.
Stephen suffered a mid-foot sprain in the teams 7-2 win over Notre Dame College March 10th, a nagging injury that still bothers the senior captain.
Freshman Jonathan Smith was a bright spot and brings promise to the program's future. Smith compiled an impressive 3-1 singles record, with wins over Knox College, Augustana College and Weber International.
Equally as impressive was the freshman doubles team of Tyler Brodhead and Ryan Catanese. The pair played four years together in high school at Gilmour Academy in Cleveland, and it showed.
Their 3-1 doubles record on the trip, including an 8-4 win at first doubles against Weber International, showed the duo's experience playing together as a single unit. Their lone loss was to Augustana College in a tiebreaker where they fell 9-8 (7-3).
"They have an understanding of what they are going to do. There's no confusion at all between the two," said D'Arcy.
"They are extremely competitive, and playing together in high school will certainly be a bonus."
For the second straight season, the women's team finished 2-3 amongst stiff competition. After dropping their first two matches, the Lady Cardinals rebounded winning two of their final three matches, defeating Weber International and Bethel College.
Seniors Rachel Kerr and Lianne Simeone brought home winning records in singles competition each going 3-2.
Kerr played the third singles court, while Simeone held her own at four. Both seniors won their final three single matches against Webber International, Bethel College and West Virginia State.
"I just try to stay focused every time I step on the court. If I can do that, and get one more hit than my opponent I should be successful," said Kerr.
Sophomores Brittany Rings and Cheryl Thinnes went 2-3 at first and second singles respectively.
Rings earned the Ohio Athletic Conferences (OAC) women's tennis player of the week for her effort, and teamed up with Thinnes for a 3-2 record at first double.
The dynamic duo tallied Otterbein's lone points in the teams 6-3 loss to Luther College, pairing up for the doubles victory, before capturing their respective single courts.
Both teams hope a tough week against solid competition will bode well in OAC play."The Florida trip is a good opportunity to bond as a team and to play competition that pushes everyone's game," said women's head coach Pat Anderson.
"You have to hope that all that good play gets brought back and used in the conference matches coming up." t&c;
