Men's tennis continues win streak

By Erin Chambers

Spring typically brings to mind mild weather and relaxation, but not for the Bronco men's tennis program. The current No. 57 Broncos exploded on the court, gaining a record 17 spots since spring break in the national ITA poll.

"We think we can go even higher," Head Coach Sean Burns said. "We want more opportunities to play ranked teams because we're showing that we can defeat them. We're playing a caliber of tennis that's even higher."

Currently maintaining a 12-game winning streak this spring, including wins over four ranked opponents, and an undefeated record at home, Bronco men's tennis is breaking records and getting noticed.

"We've been talking about this spring break for the past year," Burns said. "We wanted it to be our big opportunity to make a move."

The streak began on March 2 with a crushing 6-1 win over St. Mary's.

The impressive play continued through a 4-0 sweep of conference matches during spring break, followed by victories over Pac-10 No. 52 Oregon and No. 55 Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin. Victories over nationally ranked teams help prepare the team for what should in comparision be a eay conference season.

"Once again we were able to go out and completely defeat a top program," Burns said. "Our team is playing with a lot of confidence right now."

Sophomore Erich Chen dominated in the Oregon match, beating No. 136 Sven Swinnen 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 in three sets. A nationally ranked player, Swinnen had only one loss coming into the match. Victories over top talent add credence to the Broncos claim to being one of the nations top up and coming teams and one to watch during the postseason.

"Erich has really lifted his level of tennis this spring," Burns said. "He's only lost three matches all year. It's been amazing to watch."

Freshman Francisco Zepponi also stood out during the break when a come-from-behind victory over Oregon's Chris King marked his 23rd singles win of the season, a new single season record for singles victories.

Following the intense spring break schedule, the team posted wins over conference foes San Diego (6-1) and St. Mary's (4-3).

Leading the team in the top spot this spring, freshman Chris Lam made history with his debut at No. 116 on the ITA singles poll. It is the first ever national singles ranking in program history. As a freshman Lam leads a youth movement that should push the team to even greater heights.

Yet another first followed for the Broncos as Lam won his 20th singles match of the season last week against St. Mary's. The 2002 Bronco squad is the first ever to have three players earn 20 singles victories, Lam with 21, Chen with 20 and Zepponi with 26.

A subsequent 7-0 sweep of Sacramento last Saturday combined with Sunday's win over Loyola Marymount allowed the team to extend their winning streak to 12 and remain unbeatable at home.

Perhaps some of the credit for their outstanding performance this spring is due to the newly installed electronic scoreboard at the Santa Clara Tennis Center. The device boasts an LED display, and each court is also now equipped with a wireless control that allows players to post scores of in-progress matches at the changeover. This gives the program more of a big time feel and will go along ways during the recruiting season.

"All I have to say is even though we're 30-2 at home over our last 32 matches, we're 1-0 with that scoreboard," Burns said. "It was amazing to see the difference in the players and the fans' enjoyment of the match."