Munster's Colin Richter is aggressive on offense as tennis team heads to semistate

At first, Colin Richter was defensive about his defense.

"I was a defensive player. I didn't want to make mistakes that would cost me a match," Richter said. "Then Coach (Steve) Lopez moved me to doubles this season."

In order to be successful at doubles, the sophomore learned that he had to be aggressive and attack on offense. The lessons went well, as Richter and his partner compiled a 6-1 record at No. 2 doubles.

Then came the big switch. Lopez shuffled his lineup, moving two singles players to doubles and a pair of doubles players to singles.

One of the players who moved to singles was Richter, who was slotted at No. 2.

"I had a lot of experience playing singles in USTA," Richter said, "but I was still pretty nervous about the move."

Lopez assigned assistant coach Tony Kavanos to work with Richter. Kavanos had Richter focus on bringing the lessons about aggressiveness and offense with him to the singles court.

"Colin has all the shots," Kavanos said. "He needed to work on specific opportunities to use his shots to put away an opponent and take the point."

Consistency and steadiness have been trademarks of Richter, so it would have been understandable if he had a hard time adapting. Lopez and Kavanos soon found out that being coachable was another Richter trademark.

"Colin takes criticism and critique very well," Lopez said. "He is very hungry to get better and become a better player. He is willing to work very hard to hone his craft."

Richter's hard work has paid off. Since he moved to No. 2 singles, he has compiled a 15-0 record.

"I am happy that I am winning, but I'm happier that the team is winning." Richter said. "I like singles a lot, but I am happy to play wherever the team needs me the most."

At this point, Lopez can't see him anywhere else.

"The switch was made to strengthen the doubles position," Lopez said. "No one knew how Colin would rise to the occasion at No. 2 singles. He has had several tough matches and played outstanding."

Like the rest of the Mustangs, Richter will need to play near-perfect tennis Saturday. They face the top-ranked, undefeated, defending state champion Carmel Greyhounds.

"I hope to play my best tennis Saturday," Richter said. "We all do. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves and each other."