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Volume 26, Issue 34, april 22, 2004

sports

How far will 'Runners go?

Donald Smith mug shot
Donald Smith
Sports Columnist

I've only got one more of these things left, so I better make it good.
Like the baseball and tennis teams, we here at The Metropolitan only have a few weeks remaining before it's all over (though, unlike our spring sports programs, The Metropolitan has already placed third and first in national competitions). While the fall and winter sports are thinking about next year, the baseball and tennis teams are trying to avoid thinking about next season, and the women's tennis team is curious to know exactly how far this season can take them.

The final pages to the spring sports season are being written and may seemingly close without a happy ending for our men's programs.

Baseball (20-21-1, 7-9)

Too little, too late might be the phrase that best describes the baseball team as they are currently on a six game winning streak, but still under .500.

Although they are playing some of their best baseball of the season, it might not even matter because they don't have the record right now to even make the playoffs. But, the Roadrunners have a ray of hope; they can go undefeated from now through the RMAC playoffs and maybe, just maybe, they might have an outside shot of making the regional playoffs. Surely they'd deserve to get into regionals if they sweep No. 13 Fort Hays State and Nebraska- Kearney to wrap up the regular season, and then beat No. 5 Colorado State-Pueblo, Ft. Hays, Regis and others in the RMAC Tournament. So, to sum things up, as long this team wins, they stay in the hunt.

Men (4-12, 3-4 RMAC) and

Women's Tennis (12-6, 6-0 RMAC)

The season is just about over for this group of guys. They have fought and fought, but it seems that outside of the University of Northern Colorado victory, which happened earlier this season, the men's team has had to endure a season of rebuilding.

Even though this team has spent countless matches battling, they have come up short more times than they have succeeded. Because of this, they may have doomed themselves from being able to make the regional tournament or even the national tournament. The good news is that they still could qualify for the conference playoffs, but I don't know if they'll go any further than that. But, who knows, they might dig down deep, play gritty tennis and run the table. Those automatic bids... aren't they great?

I had to save the best for last. The women's team is playing its heart out, and like I said when I first started talking about them, nobody notices. This team is going into the RMAC tournament with authority because they aren't letting opponents on the board much. Since their last defeat at the hands of Northern Arizona University, they have only one match and finally, everyone-and I mean everyone-is playing at the top of their game.

Returning to my opening statement, I, too, have allowed this team to get under the radar. I have spoken a lot about Rebecca and Jessica Meares, but the team has been playing just as well as their two top starters. The team's Nos. 3-5 are a combined 33-19 (since last fall) as Mercedes Pollmeier (10-8), Natalie Ilott (11-6) and Taya Bachman (12-5) are as much responsible for the team's fantastic play as their two stars. Freshman Annette Chevarria (5-8), is the only player under .500 for the season, but has been on a four-match winning-streak going into the RMAC Tournament. These ladies have picked the perfect time to play their best tennis, because if they can play flawless tennis for just a few more weeks, they'll have a whole summer to celebrate their first championship and... continue to go unnoticed.

All of these spring teams have something in common: run the table! They all have to play flawless, errorless tennis from here on out or their seasons are possibly over. Even though the women's team might still make the regional tournament if they lose in the conference tourney, I don't think any of the ladies are thinking they have a loss to give. I think all of these teams could wind up in the regional tournament if they gel right now. But, honestly, even though the teams had to work hard, I think three out of the four women's teams (volleyball, women's soccer and now the tennis team) have played like they've had a personal invite to the regionals since day one.