Off to Orlando...

The bus continues to travel. This time we are off to the National Final 16 held just outside of Orlando, FL in Altamonte Springs. Yes it's time to make the flight arrangements as we defeated Philadelphia University for the fourth time this season 5-0 in today's NCAA East #1 Regional Final (click here for box score).

Unlike our last meeting with the Rams when they came out sky high and full of energy and really pushed us back, we were more business today and got off to a solid start on all three doubles courts as we sailed to a 3-0 lead. The good start was key today as Philly seemed to lose their belief early on in the match. The team really poured it on in the singles matches as all courts were dominating for the Clippers. Tamas and Andreas closed out the day as both nailed down 6-0, 6-0 wins, or as my pal Pepe would say, two bicycles! However, that being said, big congrats to Coach Cha and the Rams on a great season. I know that good things are in store for Philly U. tennis in the future. We will do our best to represent our CACC in Florida. We hope you will follow and support us as we try to do something special next week.

Up next for the Clippers in the "Sweet 16" will be #29 ranked BYU Hawai'i, the #2 seed out of the West Region. In my opinion, BYU is under-rated and playing much better than their rank indicates. They are really a team that should be in the top 20 for sure. They have good experience on the team and I expect that they will be ready to play. We will certainly be ready as well.

We will take off Monday morning and get two days of practice in down south to get accustomed to the conditions. In addition, the players and coaches are treated to a special banquet by the NCAA Tuesday night just prior to the Wednesday competition. The ITA also presents its awards during the banquet and we hope to have a National winner or two perhaps.

A special thanks for all of the love and support throughout the season from so many of you. There are plenty of seats on the bus and this truly is a team effort.

2 down, 4 to go!

Nuff said...