Men’s tennis uses offense in win against Washington and Jefferson

By Madeline Dorobiala
Staff Writer

The Franciscan men’s tennis team defeated the Washington and Jefferson Presidents 8-1 on April 16 at home.  

The win contributed to the Barons’ three game winning streak. It was also the redemption the Barons needed after losing against the Presidents last semester. 

With the sun shining and clear skies, the Baron’s started their second match against Washington and Jefferson during the 2023-24 season.  

The Barons started with doubles. Junior Travis Mistry and senior Aaron Palladino started the match off strong, defeating the opposing pair 8-4. 

The intensity of the game continued into the second take with freshmen Aaron Heinlein and Christopher Yvars winning their match 8-6.  

The Barons secured their win in the third match with sophomores Samuel Sabol and Callahan Hecton defending their court in a close match, winning 8-7. 

Mistry started the round of singles winning both of his sets. Heinlein mirrored similar energy, following Mistry in the second take of singles and winning both of his sets.  

Yvars lost both of his sets in the third match, but Palladino followed afterward and secured a win in both of his sets. 

The Barons maintained a strong offense throughout the end of the singles match. Hecton stepped up, winning his match and the sixth overall point for the Barons. 

Sophomore David Bourdelais responded with similar offensive strategies to his opponent in the second set. By the end of the sixth take, Bourdelais shut down his opponent in the third set with a strong offense and won 10-8. 

“Our focus will be on offense as the complexion of our team is definitely different and is looking forward to playing on our home courts,” said Head Coach Sandi Gajtka prior to the match. 

The Barons next home match is Thursday, April 17 at 4 p.m. against Allegheny College at Belleview Tennis Courts.