Netmen Face Penn in Title Match

Harvard's tennis team places a perfect season on the line today against powerful and eager Penn, in a match which will decide who's top dog in the Eastern Intercollegiate Tennis League.

Right now, Harvard stands on top of the league with an 8-0 record, by virtue of its 5-4 comeback over Princeton. The Tigers, with an 8-1 mark, turned around and whipped the Quakers, 7-2. Penn is 7-1 in league play. Today's contest, the season's finale, will determine whether or not Harvard must share the title.

Conditions are against Harvard. Penn's most decided advantage will be its fast hard courts. The Quakers are basically big hitters, relying on big serves and volleys to win. The Crimson netmen, who have had only one day's practice on hard courts, tend to depend on ground strokes.

Penn's lineup will probably remain an enigma until starting time. Bailey Brown and Captain John Reese will undoubtedly fill the top two spots one way or the other. These are two of the most powerful players in the East, especially on their own fast courts. Harvard's Chum Steele, who has a mean attack himself, may be able to match blows with Penn; Dave Benjamin, with his balanced game, will have even more trouble than Steele.

The third and fourth matches will be crucial. Crimson junior Clive Kileff and Captain. Dean Peckham rate as slight favorites over Clay Hamlin and Rich Kolker, but Hamlin is capable of great play when he's hot.

Richie Friedman, Harvard's dependable fifth man, would normally be favored over off-and-on Ed Serues, but on hard courts Serues' quick pace makes the match a tossup.

At six, Brian Davis plays a hard court game equal to Penn's Fred George. Davis is totally unpredictable in singles, playing brilliantly and then erratically.

If Harvard can just split the singles 3-3, then Coach Jack Barnaby will be all smiles. Doubles, the Crimson strong point and the Quaker weak spot, would give Harvard the needed 5-4 margin.