Walking off of the court, Ryan Fidell knew that with a sweep over conference opponent, Webster Groves, the Colts extended their game win streak to 18, part of two 9-0 sweeps of the Statesmen as well as Parkway North. Webster fell to Central after defeating Eureka the week before, a team that the Colts played to a 5-4 loss on April 4.
“Its ecstasy” Fidell said. “It’s just really cool and almost unbelievable.”
Jacob Kanter played after 10 days of rest due to shin splints, winning his singles match 6-0, 6-2. The junior said that his legs hadn’t hurt all day and that he was feeling comfortable on the court.
Sophomore, Jordan Bernstein won his singles match in three sets, taking the first 6-3 and losing 1-6 in the second before coming back to win a 10-5 tie break.
“After he took the lead in the second set, I thought that it could potentially be going to a tie breaker. I just had to push through” Bernstein said. “My shoulder hasn’t stood up for a match like this in a long time.”
According to Bernstein, building confidence was key in winning the tie break.
“Coach tells us to get our confidence up and not let ourselves get down. I just try to calm down when I am trying to comeback” Bernstein said.
Fidell, paired with sophomore, Ani Gururaj in doubles constantly attempts to put the younger players at ease on the court. On many occasions, he plays alongside Andrew Lanson, who is also a sophomore.
“I think being one of the high ranking seniors on the court comes into play” Fidell said. Sometimes Lanson has trouble keeping his head cool. With him I always try to get physical by pushing each other and getting pumped.”
Fidell, a second semester senior, said that the difference in stress level and experience between the sophomores and himself impacts the mindset that each athlete has on the court.
“I think that I have a lot less stress than some of the guys out here” Fidell said. “Lanson has a lot going on. I think that I am able to keep my head clear a lot easier than him.”
Central travels to Marquette to take on the Mustangs on Friday afternoon with action starting at 4:15.
