Netmen Successful in Break Tournaments

The Harvard men's tennis team participated in two tournaments over spring break. The Crimson finished fifth in the University of California at Irvine Invitational, which was won by the host school.

The team then travelled south, where it competed in the Blue-Gray Classic in Birmingham, Alabama. Harvard finished 10th in a strong field which included Southern Methodist University--the eventual champion--and USC, both ranked among the top five college teams in the nation.

The Crimson had not competed outdoors since October.

"It was a very succesful trip," said Peter Palandjian, who alternated at second and third singles with Bill Stanley.

Harvard began its trip last Wednesday in Irvine, Calif., with a 6-3 win over the University of Arizona. However, the netmen faltered the next day with a 5-1 loss to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Peter Palandjian was the team's lone winner.

Harvard completed its California sojourn with two strong victories, knocking off Wichita State (6-3) and Arizona State (5-1).

At Birmingham, the Crimson fell to Arkansas--which eventually finished third in the tourney--in its first match, 6-0.

In addition, Darryl Laddin suffered an ankle injury during his match at fifth singles and was forced to quit with a 6-1, 1-2 lead.

"I knew when I went down that I couldn't get up," said Laddin, "so I had to stop and default the match."

Freshman Hank Parichabutr was flown in from the B team, which was on a southern tour. Parachibutr filled in for Laddin for the rest of the tournament.

The Crimson proceeded to defeat Cal State-Long Beach, ranked 15th in the nation, by a score of 5-4 when Stanley and Paul Palandjian won the decisive match at third doubles.

Harvard took another close match over Texas A & M, 5-4. Parachibutr played a key role, overwhelming his opponent at sixth singles, 6-0, 6-1, and then teaming with Peter Palandjian for the fifth point at second doubles.

On Sunday, the Crimson fell to Kentucky in another 5-4 match. At 4-4, Harvard had a match point at second doubles for what would have been its third consecutive win. Instead, Kentucky prevailed, coming back to take second doubles and the team match in an exciting three set match.

The Crimson may have gained a top 20 ranking with its tournament results. Peter Palandjian, however, played down the importance of the ranking: "We've tried not to make that our goal," he said. "It tends to be distracting.

The Crimson will have its chance for revenge this weekend when it travels south for a return engagement with Kentucky. The team will also face Tennessee, another highly ranked team.