The Crimson notmen moved two steps closer to a showdown with Princeton by ripping Cornell, 9-0, Friday and then Army, 7-2, Saturday on an important road trip.

Meanwhile, undefeated defending Eastern Intercollegiate Tennis League champion Princeton tore through Columbia, 9-0, to set up the confrontation with Harvard on May 9. The Crimson lost to Columbia this season, 8-1, but can still grab a piece of the title if is upsets the powerful Tiger squad, throwing Harvard, Princeton and Columbia into a three-way tie for first place.

"We'll be going out there to win," Crimson net coach Jack Barnaby said yesterday. "Anybody can be beaten, and Princeton is no exception."

Friday, a weak Cornell team was unable to provide much competition for the racquetmen, who put it away with little difficulty. The only problem was slick courts, which gave all the balls a very low and hard-to-handle bounce.

Long and Stiff

But the long drive from Cornell to Army and a stiff northwest wind made the Cadets a tough team to beat.

The Crimson, and number two man Todd Lundy in particular, seemed upset by the strong wind, which made placement shots erratic at best.

"We've been playing indoors all year, and it took a while to adjust to the different conditions," Barnaby said. "That wind is an equalizer, because it makes it much harder for the better player who counts on his placement shots to win."

Flustered Freshman

Freshman Lundy was unable to make his usually precise line shots, became flustered, and lost his singles match to the Cadets. But he bounced back in the number three doubles when he teamed up with Hugh Hyde to win in straight sets.

"I was especially pleased that Todd was able to adjust and learn as quickly as he did." Barnaby said.

Reiner on Top

Top man Gary Reiner continued his winning ways by easily handling his two singles opponents this weekend. "It was the best I've ever seen him play. He was as hot as a firecracker, and I hope that he can play equally well against Princeton." Barnaby added.

The racquetmen play in the Brandeis Invitational Tournament this Wednesday and Thursday. After that, they will start preparing for the big showdown the next week with the powerful Princeton Tigers.