With eight matches remaining in the regular season and coming off of a seven match winning streak, the Liberty University men’s tennis team has already matched their win total of last season with a record of 10-4.
Much of the Flames success has to be attributed to junior Siim Tuus. The reigning Big South Player of the Week has carried the Flames all season posting a 10-3 singles record and a 9-4 doubles record. All of Tuus’ matches have come as Liberty’s number one seed, which means he faces the best players opposing teams have to offer.
Tuus attributes his success this season to his intense training he did over the off-season, as well as head coach Chris Johnson.
“The number one seed always has a great influence on the team and the match as it is played,” Johnson said. “Siim really embraces that and does a great job of helping lead our team every match.”
Tuus has also formed a dynamic duo with senior Gian Lemmi for doubles matches. The pair has posted a perfect 7-0 record thus far.
“Our success has been the result of hard work, great attitude and good chemistry,” Tuus said. “We know each other really well and as upperclassmen players we are also experienced. It helps us to make right decisions under pressure and win tough matches against great players.”
Freshman Wayne Harrell has been a key ingredient this season for the Flames. Flying a bit under the radar, often playing as a number six seed, Harrell has garnered a 9-3 record in singles matches. Those have crucial points for the Flames. Despite his success, Harrell will most likely be staying in that role as a number six seed.
“Wayne [Harrell] is playing some great tennis and so are many of our players,” Johnson said. “He is still young though, so my wish would be to keep him there to gain more match experience.”
Sophomore Shea Thomas has been a mainstay as the number two seed for the Flames this year and has mustered up a 7-5 singles record. Thomas has also paired up nicely with junior Tristan Stayt for doubles matches, posting a 6-0 record.
“We have great chemistry because our game styles really complement each other,” Thomas said. “My power game style combined with Tristan’s finesse game style around the net makes us a very formidable team to play against.”
Thomas will in all likelihood be matched up against senior Guy Kubi for the Flames match against the Winthrop Eagles March 31.
“I am going to go out and play my game and find [Kubi’s] weaknesses, and then attack those weaknesses to get the victory,” Thomas said. “The most important thing is that I don’t let him control the points and let him get into a groove against me.”
The Flames are determined not to let their recent success cause them to lose focus.
“The most important thing is not to let ourselves feel comfortable and satisfied with the results we have had so far,” Tuus said. “We need to keep working hard and stay focused in order to achieve our goal to win the Big South Championship.”
Staying healthy and continuing to put in hard work in practice will be vital for the Flames if they want to continue their recent run of success, according to Tuus.
The Flames take on Norfolk State at home March 28 before their conference clash against Winthrop March 31.