Bowdoin College Men’s Tennis Team Clinches NESCAC Championship
In a thrilling final match, the Bowdoin College men’s tennis team secured the 2024 NESCAC championship with a 5-3 victory over Tufts. Reid Staples played a crucial role in the win, delivering a straight-set victory at number two singles to seal the Polar Bears’ victory.
The Polar Bears, who entered the tournament as the fifth seed, made history by becoming the first fifth-seed team to win the league title. Along the way, they avenged all three of their regular season NESCAC losses by defeating Amherst, Middlebury, and Tufts in succession. This marks Bowdoin’s fourth conference championship, adding to their previous titles in 2018, 2017, and 2008.
With a record of 19-6 and a ranking of sixth in the latest ITA Division III poll, Bowdoin will now receive the NESCAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The team is also expected to host a regional in Brunswick when the tournament bracket is released on Monday.
The match was filled with highlights, including a strong start in doubles play where the Polar Bears took a commanding 3-0 lead. Despite a comeback from Tufts in singles matches, Tristan Bradley’s three-set win at number one and Reid Staples’ decisive victory at number two secured the championship for Bowdoin.
The Polar Bears’ victory is a testament to their resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Fans can look forward to seeing them compete in the NCAA Division III Tournament and potentially host a regional match in the coming weeks.