After a week of battling Division I talent in Florida, the Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s tennis teams are ready for the stiff competition from their GLIAC foes.

“It was great for us to go down there as a team to get ready for the upcoming spring season,” said junior Bryan Hodges. “It was great for us not only on the court, but off the court as well.”

The GVSU tennis programs annual spring break trip to Florida gives the Lakers a chance to go up against top talent, which helps them prepare for their schedule this coming spring.

“It was definitely tougher competition down in Florida,” Hodges said. “This is a great opportunity for us to play Division I talent. Something we don’t always have the chance to do.”

Throughout the week that both teams were in Florida, teammates were able to spend a great deal of time with each other, helping build chemistry among the athletes.

“The kids were together at all times, whether it was at the pool, hotel, or on the court, it was a great time for them to bond,” said head coach John Black. “I think they all enjoyed it, as it was much needed.”

The Laker women’s tennis team posted a strong 5-1 record during the trip, only losing to Division I Providence University.

The Laker men’s tennis team went .500 during spring break, finishing with a 3-3 record. Those losses included Coe College, Bellarmine University, and Presbyterian University.

“I thought both teams played really well, especially considering the level of competition they went up against,” Black said. “I think we accomplished what we set out to do on this trip.”

A key to the Lakers success on the court is the production that the team receives from their doubles squads on a regular basis. This past week provided time for doubles partners to become more acclimated with one another, on and off of the court.

“Everyone became more comfortable with their doubles partner,” Hodges said. “We roomed with our doubles partners. It was a great way to bond with each other, and build chemistry off the court.”

Both men and women tennis programs have used the time in Florida to fix the kinks in their games, re-evaluate where they are as an overall team, and to also build confidence before they face numerous GLIAC teams.

“This week has definitely made us play better, as we had to adjust to the level of competition,” said junior Andrew Darrell. “We cant take any matches for granted from here on out, and we have to keep putting forth the effort on a daily basis, including practices.”

The Laker men’s tennis team is back in action this Friday when they go up against Aquinas College, while the women step back onto the court next Sunday when they travel to Lewis College.
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