After a successful spring break trip down in Orlando, Florida, where the team went 4-1, UW-Eau Claire men’s tennis faced the University of Northwestern – St. Paul Eagles on April 19 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Blugolds defeated the Eagles 5-2, winning all but one singles match. Single and doubles No. 1 competitor, third-year Pablo Rincon, won both of his matches. Rincon, in his singles match, said he started off well but began missing more first serves after winning the first set 6-1.

“I just had to stay in the match and grind every ball until I had a chance to close out the match,” Rincon said. “My mental strength was what kept me in the match.”

As a team captain, Rincon said he helps coach his teammates and tries to be a team player.

“Before the match or after practice, [I] just remind them how important it is to keep a positive mindset,” Rincon said.

Rincon clinched the win over Carson Haack by winning the second set 7-5. On the season, he has a singles record of 7-3. In doubles No. 1, Rincon and his partner, first-year Danylo Ripeckjy, won their match 6-3.

On the season, the pair are 8-2 and have won their last six matches together. Their last doubles one loss came against UW-Whitewater on March 6. While playing alongside Ripeckjy, Rincon said he tries to keep him motivated and relaxed before each point.

“I’m bringing the consistency, and he brings the power, so I feel like we compliment each other very well,” Rincon said.

Ripeckjy joined the program back in January. Head Coach Matt Boughton said Ripeckjy was a huge asset when he joined the team.

“[Ripeckjy] brings a really good energy and enthusiasm to the game,” Boughton said. “He’s all in from the first ball, and you never see him not at 100 percent.”

Lately, the Blugolds have dealt with some injuries. Fourth-year captain Ethan Leeser tore his shoulder in a match during their spring break trip and will be sidelined for the rest of the year.

Additionally, third-year Sam Murillo did not compete on Thursday after playing in their previous match against Saint John’s University on March 19. Because of this, Boughton said he had to move the roster around due to the injuries. 

First-year No. 6 singles Jack Michaud won his match in two sets after not competing in their previous match versus Saint John’s. 

First-year Emilio Monge was another newcomer who came out of Thursday with match wins. Despite losing his doubles No. 2 match, Monge came out victorious in singles No. 4, taking the win in three sets.

Boughton said Monge struggled with the slightly windy conditions, as he has a loopy backhand that generates a lot of topspin. 

“When you’re not driving through that backhand, the wind will play with the ball a little bit more,” Boughton said. “It was a lot of reminding [Monge] to try to get to the forehand patterns as quick as he can and play safer patterns.”

On the season, Monge is 9-3 in singles play. 

Sitting on a two-game win streak, the Blugolds next face UW-Stevens Point on Friday, April 17 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Benes can be reached at [email protected].