The goals of the men’s tennis team are simple: work hard all season, take one match at a time, and finish the season with an above .500 record. After finishing with a 7-6 record last year, the team is hoping to build on their successes and achieve their goals.
Last week, the team got its first chance at victory, playing three matches in Florida, though they returned to RPI 1-2 following tough competition. The trip also served to give new players on the team some much needed experience at the collegiate level.
Freshmen Chris Irving, Eric McDermott, and Dan Socaciu will all have an immediate impact for the team, according to Head Coach Carol Pillsworth. Pillsworth, in her fifth season as RPI’s head coach, plans to have Irving play first singles in the team’s next match now that he has some playing experience.
Seniors Joaquin Denoya and Borjan Gagoski will captain the tennis team this year. The team will be missing Mike Heligman this season while he is on co-op. Heligman played first singles last year for the team.
The team’s strong work ethic and positive attitude will help strengthen the team this season. The players are also working on their stamina, in order to stay strong in long three set matches.
Another strong point to the Engineers’ game is their first and second doubles teams. The first doubles team is Joe Black and Irving, while Gagoski and Joe Byrne comprise the second doubles team.
The Engineers will have to work hard and stay committed in order to gain some ground against league opponents. “Competition within our league is tough,” commented Pillsworth. Rochester, Skidmore, Vassar, and St. Lawrence will provide tough matches for RPI’s relatively young team.
The men’s tennis team is strong academically, with a combined 3.41 GPA. Their team average is second only to the women’s cross country team, which has an average of 3.62. “They are exceptional students trying to be exceptional tennis players,” Pillsworth proudly added.
The Engineers will have their first home match Saturday at the Sharp Courts against St. John Fisher at 2 pm.
