Quick Friday Notes

The GLCA got a whole lot less interesting, but there are still 2 matches of note on Friday that have big time NCAA significance. First, Cal Lutheran takes on Redlands. Both of these teams are playing to save their seasons. Lose this match and you have no shot at NCAAs, it's as simple as that. Obviously Redlands is looking for revenge after 2 losses to Cal Lutheran last year, and the Bulldogs have yet to put a top 20 win on their schedule. Redlands had high hopes coming into this season, but they haven't performed, and time is almost up. They need a convincing win here because this looks terrible at the moment. They made the tournament 17 straight years and now they are going to miss if for the 2nd year in a row. CLU is playing for pride at this point and they would love nothing more than to beat Redlands. I'm sure the Kingsmen will gear up for this and Redlands will have to play very well if they want to win.

In the Northeast, Bowdoin travels to MIT. MIT has notoriously fast courts so this could be a tricky match for the Polar Bears. But it's one they absolutely need to win with Pool C being so competitive this year. Bowdoin can't afford a loss in this, and likewise I think a win would really help their resume. MIT is playing at home with nothing to lose and I expect them to turn in a good performance. Bowdoin has to be careful not to look ahead to Amherst on Saturday and focus on the task at hand. I think a lot depends on if Sullivan can take over this match and get 2 wins for his team. If he does that, this could turn into a routine win for Bowdoin. But if the Engineers get ahead in doubles, this will turn into a tight one.