After a heartbreaking defeat by the Emory Eagles on Friday, the men’s tennis team triumphed in two 8-1 victories against the Haverford College Fords and the Christopher Newport University Captains on Saturday.
With their number one player, senior Mike Buxbaum, out due to injury, the Jays’ performance this weekend was truly a team effort.
The weekend also marked a number of career milestones for the Jays. In their victory against Haverford, Coach Chuck Willenborg earned his 200th career win and further fortified his status as winningest coach in program history.
Meanwhile, senior Emerson Walsh garnered his 100th career win in the match against Christopher Newport. As one of just 13 players in Hopkins history to achieve the 100-win feat, we welcome Walsh into Colwell’s Court as this week’s Athlete of the Week.
Walsh has been an integral part of the Hopkins tennis teams for the past four years. A three-time recipient of Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American Honors for doubles play, Walsh has won the ITA Southeast Doubles Championship every year since 2014 and has continuously placed in the top 10 at the ITA National Small College Championship.
Walsh’s singles play has been equally dominant. Known for his ability to maintain winning streaks, last spring he lost just one singles match from April 6 to May 13.
This Friday, Walsh contributed a key win in singles play over Emory sophomore James Spaulding. He went on to go 3-0 on Saturday in the matches against Haverford and Christopher Newport, winning a doubles match versus Haverford 6-4, a doubles match versus Christopher Newport 8-3 and a singles victory versus Christopher Newport 6-1, 6-1.
Subsequently, Walsh was honored as the Centennial Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
Following these accolades, Walsh sat down with The News-Letter to discuss what the weekend meant to him and his goals as he wraps up the final season of his Hopkins career.
The News-Letter:How did it feel to earn your 100th career win?
Emerson Walsh: It honestly does not mean too much to me, I never had a goal in mind for number of wins, but it is cool to say.
N-L: Do you prefer playing doubles or singles and why?
EW: I have always enjoyed doubles a little more than singles. The points are quicker and more intense.
N-L: After playing Haverford, how tired was the team going into the Christopher Newport match?
EW: We were all pretty tired, especially after having a match on Friday against Emory.
Everyone still managed to step up and play well though.
N-L: What will you be focusing on in practice this week to prepare for Wednesday’s match against the Franklin & Marshall Diplomats?
EW: Nothing special, same routine.
N-L: What will you miss most about the Hopkins tennis team?
EW: It has been a great group. I have loved competing with them.
N-L: Any personal or team goals for the remainder of the season?
EW: My goal is for us to make the Elite Eight of NCAAs.
We have managed to get there the past three years. At that point in the tournament, anyone can win, so right now our first goal is to get back there and get another shot at winning the whole thing. Hopefully, our entire lineup will be back and healthy for NCAAs.
