The Hawks continue to roll through their schedule as of Sept. 28, as they sit at 10-0 overall and 5-0 in their conference play. This includes a win over conference rival Endicott College.

“We haven’t beaten them since 2010,” said Head Coach Barry Gorman, who is in the midst of his seventh season on the court for the Hawks. 

“We played strong,” he noted, as he explained that the marathon of a match against Endicott lasted almost five hours.

During the match, the Hawks went down 2-1 after doubles in tiebreakers. However, the team was able to fight back in singles to secure the 5-4 victory.  

“They beat us solidly last year and they have a good group back,” Gorman said of Endicott. 

As far as preparation for this particular match, Gorman said he did not prepare the team differently than he does for any other match. 

“We try to do all the little things right,” he said.

 

In particular, he pointed to hitting smart shots and overall consistency.  

Another aspect of the Hawks’ success so far this season points to their roster. As previously mentioned, the Hawks have a strong class of first-year students and a solid group of returners.

Specifically, Gorman points to two first-year students on the team who hold the number one and number four spots in the starting lineup. Aleissa Cahoon occupies the number one spot for the Hawks while Emma Place holds down the number four spot.

“It can take awhile to adjust, but it has been a seamless transition,” Gorman said.

Specifically, Gorman pointed to Cahoon and how she has helped the team. 

“She has given us points up top which we need. She has helped strengthen our whole lineup,” Gorman said. 

As for weaknesses the Hawks need to work on before postseason, Gorman could not pick out a single component. 

“It’s been different match to match,” Gorman said.

 

He alluded to securing line points and seizing the right opportunities.

 

 

In addition, Gorman further emphasized the idea of consistency, especially against a team like Nichols College who the Hawks are tied with atop of the CCC. The matchup taking place on Oct. 2 will likely determine who will clinch the number one seed for postseason play. 

 

“Overall, to beat Nichols, consistency is the biggest thing. Doubles is going to be key. We are going to need to come out strong and look for a 3-0 lead,” Gorman said.  

After the matchup with Nichols, the Hawks only have two more matches. One is against CCC opponent Salve Regina University and an out-of-conference matchup with Brandeis University. The CCC tournament kicks off with the quarterfinals round beginning Oct. 16.