The University of Dayton men's tennis team is a unique kind of sport on campus.

While most teams require a commitment for games that last several months, the tennis team is a schedule that lasts throughout the entire school year.

In the fall, the Flyers competed in two events starting with the Toledo Invitational in September and then the Michigan State Invitational in October. The third scheduled event, the University of Dayton Invitational, was canceled due to poor weather conditions.

In Toledo, Dayton took four out of nine events, and in Michigan, they turned in a solid outing thanks in part to senior Matt Sherman who went 3-0 on the weekend.

Sherman finds himself in a unique position on the team being that he is the only one left from his recruiting class.

"I guess being the lone senior on the team is unfortunate, but interesting at the same time," Sherman said. "I feel as though the guys look up to me, and I truly enjoy that."

Sherman is leading a young Flyer roster made up of two juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen.

Despite the inexperience, Sherman still has lofty expectations for his team.

"Our goal at the start of the season was to win the A-10 tournament and receive a bid to the NCAA's," Sherman said. "I won't be satisfied unless we are UD's first men's tennis team to win (it)."

Should this goal be accomplished, the tennis team would join a long list of UD conference champions this year.

With the spring part of the season underway, the Flyers now play in individual matches rather than multiple team tournaments.

So far, the team has played six matches this winter and currently holds a 2-4 record. In the latest contest, the Flyers ended a three match skid by knocking off Kennesaw State at the Queen City Racquet Club in Cincinnati.

At No. 1 doubles (meaning they play in the first doubles spot), Sherman and freshman Joe West combined for a win, as did sophomore Robbie McCallum and junior Bryce Warnock in the No. 2 spot.

In singles, Sherman made his career debut in the No.1 spot with a win. It was a promotion the senior was excited about.

"I have always wanted and worked towards playing number one on the tennis team, but until now, it didn't work out that way," Sherman said. "I'm glad to play wherever the team needs me, and if that's at number one, then I'm honored to fill that spot."

The Flyers have 12 matches remaining on their schedule, five of which are against A-10 teams, before the tournament starts.This could be a historic season for the team and the expectations are high, but Sherman remains confident.

"All of the guys are very resilient," Sherman said. "We firmly believe that this is our year to do some damage at the A-10 tournament."