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Feb. 20, 2009
Garden City, NY - Adelphi Men's Tennis will begin their season February 21, competing in the 2009 East Coast Conference Flight Tournament. Fresh off one of their strongest seasons in the program's 58-year history, Adelphi Men's Tennis returns to action late this February ready to build upon the success laid in the previous year. Head Coach Ed Canner, now in his second year guiding the Racketmen, will have great base of talent to begin with; returning six of the eight lettermen from 2008 and the homecoming of tennis on Adelphi's campus. In his first season as head coach, Canner brought the squad to the program's second ever NCAA tournament bid, the first coming in 2003. "I'd like to see us pick up right where we left off; in mid-season form in February, which is not out of the question," Canner stated. "Our men got in great training over the winter break, not to mention we're bringing back a more experienced squad this season."
The Squad Toping the returners list is two-time East Coast Conference (ECC) first team all-conference selection, senior Tomasz Walczak. Last season Walczak played penthouse singles, producing a 12-8 overall record that included four shutouts and seven matches won by five or more points per game.
The duties of captain will remain in the hands of Alex Molotsky, a player whose resume is as strong off the court as it is on. Molotsky, the National Student Athlete Advisory Committee Representative, is coming off a 13-4 singles record where he ended on a seven game winning streak in the two-four spots. Molotsky and Walczak will join together for one final season as one spot doubles partners. Last season they led the team 16-4 overall, recording four shutouts and eight decisions by six or more. "Alex and Tommy are the leaders of this team on and off the court. In every match they should command the tempo, and they will help lead this program to another berth," Canner stated. Sebastian Nieves enters his junior year looking to continue his singles play, leaving the season with a 13-7 overall record, going 7-3 in his last 10 matches with three compete shutouts and seven matches decided by five or more. With his versatility as a player, Nieves could see action in any singles position from two to five. In doubles he compiled a 13-6 record, winning six straight in the month of April. "Sebastian has been a great addition to this program. I can ask him to perform in many different roles and I have the confidence that he will produce in all of them," Canner said. Sophomore Anton Voynov will continue his role at third position singles, coming off an inaugural season that included the team's strongest record at 14-6, three perfect matches and nine matches won by four points or more. Voynov teamed with Nieves to post an 8-3 record in second doubles to end 13-9 overall. For his efforts during his first season, Voynov was awarded All-ECC second team honors.
"Voynov is a very strong tennis player that is still refining his skills. He will continue to get better and better as he gains collegiate experience," Canner discussed. Joseph Carbone and Leonard Bruno also return to the team, both having strong seasons at the fifth and sixth singles positions respectfully. Carbone finished perfect in conference play, 2-0, and Bruno finished 2-2 overall. "Joe and Leo are becoming stronger players every time they step on the court.," Canner added. "They will continue move up and play a larger role as they improve their skills." The Racketmen welcome junior Bandar Kayali this season, a transfer from Stony Brook University. Kayali played tennis at his alma mater Long Beach High School where he was a member of numerous region teams. "Bandar is a great pick up for this program. He will make an impact immediately and help us return to the NCAA tournament," Canner said.
The Schdule "I wanted to put strong programs on our schedule this season to prepare this team for the jump to the Northeast 10 next year," Canner explained. "We also want to get a good look at some of the teams we will be competing in the future, so competing against teams like Merrimack will only help our younger players." As tradition, the men will enter into the ECC Flight Tournament February 21-22 for a shot at an individual title. The Panthers will continue their journey in Orlando, Florida, where they will compete against the Prairie Fire of Knox College, the Warriors of Merrimack College and the Tars of Rollins College March 15-19. Last season Adelphi took three wins while in Orlando and will look to match that feat this season. "The Florida trip is a great opportunity to add diversity to our schedule," Canner stated. "We are able to see different styles of play from schools in the mid-west, and playing teams from the Florida region is always important because they are always top-notch due to the year long great weather." Upon return the Brown and Gold will host the Golden Bears of Kutztown University on March 21 before entering into ECC competition. The Panthers will hop on the road to face St Thomas Aquinas College, Dowling College and non-conference East Stroudsburg University on March 29 before seeing the Clippers of Concordia College on April 1. Last season the #12 Clippers received a NCAA birth and advanced to the round of 16. "The ECC is going to be tough again this season. Queens and Concordia are still going to be top schools and the rest of the programs have continued to strengthen their game," Canner commented. April will continue to be tough for the Panthers as they host Bloomsburg College and West Chester University before seeing the rival Knights of Queens of April 4th. The racketmen will close their regular season play with a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to face the Rams of Philadelphia University on April 18. ECC Conference Championships are set to run April 21-22. "Our schedule is going to be tough this season, but our team has grown so much in the last year that we will be able to show we can compete with the top programs in the area," Canner said. |
