LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (April 22, 2008) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania men's tennis team built a solid foundation for the future under first year coach Ethel Watson during the 2008 season despite finishing with a 2-5 overall mark.
Among the many highlights of the season was the Lions' two-match winning streak, the dominance of freshman Adedotun Osho (Plainfield, NJ/Plainfield) and the improvement of the rest of the team. With one senior departing, the future of the men's tennis program is brighter than ever. The Lions were an exciting team to watch this season.
“I had no large expectations coming into the spring season of tennis,” Watson said. “I knew we had several players who could stroke the ball, stay competitive, be determined and fight hard to win, but most lacked competitive experience on the court. Overall, I was happy with the results of this new season with new players, new attitudes and with a new conference to challenge.”
Watson was pleasantly pleased and thrilled with the improvement of the team during the season. The zenith of the year was the 5-1 victory over Saint Paul's College on April 5. It was the first victory as a Division II program for the Lions. In addition to getting a victory from Osho at No. 1 singles, Watson received wins from Elwood Simon (Philadelphia, PA/Mastery Charter), Alfayo Michira (Nyamira, Kenya/Nyansabakwa) and Donnell Bolds (Philadelphia, PA/Olney).
Michira displayed plenty of heart and resolve in winning a 7-6 tiebreaker in the first set and 6-4 in the second set against Saint Paul's. With rain falling during his match, Bolds won the first set, 6-3.
Two days later, Lincoln extended its winning streak to two games by defeating Hood, 5-4. Stephen Sangster (Port of Spain, Trinidad/St. Heart College)'s first career victory was a pleasant surprise and the key to Lincoln's victory over Hood. Playing at No. 3 singles, Sangster defeated Hood's Kenneth Smith, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Other winners for Lincoln included Donnell Bolds (Philadelphia, PA/Olney), who won a riveting three-set match at No. 5 singles, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3.
“Overall, our season reflects the normal ups and downs of a growing team,” Watson said. “We have spaces to fill and adjust to as we recruit and make changes to build a solid core of competitors. Since this is a first year team with majority of freshmen, development comes with time, experience on the court, and recognition of competitive nature of tennis.”
Osho had no issues adjusting to college level tennis. He posted a 5-2 record at No. 1 singles. Osho was dominant in many of his matches. In two of his victories, Osho did not allow a point. He consistently proved why he was ranked by the Middle States Tennis Association in his age group.
“Now, the challenge for him is he must get better,” Watson said. “He has the potential to be in any final round of any tournament, as well as record a championship before he graduates.”
Watson will continue to add some pieces around Osho that will make the Lions a very formidable squad in the future. Although Bolds will be a big loss, he leaves the tennis program in capable hands. This year was only the beginning of the re-birth of men's tennis on Lincoln's campus. With Osho, Sangster, Simon and Michira returning next year, the tennis team could set some new standards.
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