Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks to open spring season Sunday
1/23/2009 8:45:00 AM | Men's Tennis
 |
After a year with a tremendous amount of new talent, the Mountain Hawks are looking forward to having the experience under their belts to take their abilities to the next level. Introducing three freshman and two new sophomores last year meant lots of inexperience and many adjustments. This year, head coach Dave Shook hopes to take the experience these newcomers earned last year, and turn it into more wins for the team.
“We’re young, and many are still new to the college game, but we have more experience than we did last year,” said Shook. “We’re climbing in our ability and want to strive for more performance consistency.”
Shook will be returning two seniors, Mike Gordon and Jon-Michael Caminiti, who will be sharing the role of captain. Gordon recorded five total wins last year overall in singles, as well as one Patriot League win at fourth singles against
In addition to his two seniors, Shook is very excited about the return of sophomore Troy List. As one of the newcomers last year, List emerged as an on-court leader for Lehigh, earning 12 wins at second singles, including two Patriot League Victories. He also saw action at first doubles; where he posted a 10-10 record winning three of six Patriot League match-ups.
“Troy put in the most work and preparation to take the top spot, I am very excited to see what he can do this year,” said Shook.
Shook also expects his three returning sophomores, Arnaldo Pacheco, Cameron Silbert, and Chris Collins to make valuable contributions to the team this year.
“They have gained the experience they needed last year and will all be in the hunt for a spot,” said Shook.
Last year Silbert posted one win at sixth singles, and six wins overall in doubles, including one Patriot League victory. Pacheco brought in seven wins between fourth and fifth singles, including three Patriot League victories, and also six total doubles wins, teaming primarily with Silbert. Collins emerged as the winner of the walk-on tournament and earned valuable time at the bottom of the lineup, winning nine total matches; he also saw time at second and third doubles.
“They are all great players, however I need somebody to step up and really show me what they can do,” said Shook.
As far as doubles go, Shook was pleased with his paring of Pacheo and Silbert. The duo accomplished a total of six wins together last season, including a league win over Holy Cross.
Shook would also like to try to keep juniors J.T. Bolcar and Robert Bolcar together in the doubles line up as well. Last year, the pair posted a win together in a Patriot League victory over Holy Cross. They both also accomplished victories in the singles line up. J.T. had one Patriot League win and Robert posted three wins at sixth singles including a pair of Patriot League wins.
Shook is also excited about two incoming freshmen, Ryan Krueger and Leland Richardson. Richardson comes from Plainsboro, where he played in the number one singles spot his junior year with the No. 2 ranked team in New Jersey. He was a two-time All-State selection and a four-time All-Conference performer.
Joining the two new freshmen this year is sophomore, Colin Laffey, who comes to Lehigh from Niagara University, where he saw time at fourth, fifth and sixth singles. He had six conference victories in singles with an overall record of 10-9. He also posted an overall doubles record of 9-8 for the Purple Eagles. Shook sees Laffey as a top challenger for a singles spot on the lineup this year.
Shook hopes that with the experience gained last year, and several key new additions, Lehigh can continue to make strides towards the top of the Patriot League.
Lehigh will open its spring season on Sunday with a pair of matches in Providence, R.I. The Mountain Hawks will open up with Bryant at 8 a.m. before taking on Ivy League foe Brown at 1 p.m.
