With the return of its top player from co-op and a wealth of young talent, the men’s tennis team is poised to have a good season in 2002.
Last year, with Steve Matthews out of the lineup, the first singles spot went to rookie Ben Haynes. Matthews, a senior co-captain, will reclaim that position, allowing Haynes and the other players to slide down one slot. Freshman Mike Heligman will play third singles for the Engineers, and senior co-captain Chris Laptik has the fourth slot.
Having the team playing in the correct order, said Head Coach Carol Pillsworth, will greatly improve the team.
The goal of the team, Pillsworth said, is to finish in the top half of the UCAA, typically a very strong conference. Rochester is the favorite to win, with Skidmore, St. Lawrence, and Vassar all in the running as well. If the Engineers can knock off any of these teams, Pillsworth added, it will be a good season.
The team has been able to practice earlier than usual this year by taking advantage of the Armory in off hours. Players come in when they have time between classes, generally in the morning when the floor is available.
“Anytime you can practice in February, it’s a bonus,” said Pillsworth.
RPI will open its season against Division I opponent Quinnipiac over spring break in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Engineers’ home opener will be against St. John Fisher on Friday, March 29.
