Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks to open spring season Saturday
1/24/2008 2:15:00 PM | Men's Tennis
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After struggling through a season in which the Lehigh Men’s tennis team lost three starters to injury, the 2008 edition of the Mountain Hawks is looking to go deep into the Patriot League tournament. To make that run, Head Coach Dave Shook will be expecting big contributions from his incoming players as well as his top veterans.
“We’re really excited to have a young, talented group coming in,” said Shook. “In our most successful years, we have brought in a large freshman class that can grow together as doubles partners and teammates.”
The loss of four veteran seniors will force the newcomers to come in and be ready to play. “We’ll get to start over and implement new policies and procedures that we might not be able to use with a group that’s been around for a long time. The sky is the limit with this group.”
Shook will turn to senior and team co-captain John Nespoli to lead and mentor the Mountain Hawks this season. Nespoli recorded a Patriot League victory last season at second singles, while also putting up five overall doubles wins. In his career, Nespoli has racked up 25 singles wins at Lehigh, including nine in the Patriot League, to go along with 24 doubles victories.
“We’re looking forward to seeing John elevated to the number one position,” said Shook. “He’ll do a good job of molding our younger players and we have confidence in his abilities.”
Also returning for his senior season will be Brent Herbert. Herbert recorded two wins at fourth singles in 2006-07. He also came away with three second doubles victories including a Patriot League win at Bucknell.
“Last year was Brent’s first in a full-time role,” said Shook. “He should also be able to help in guiding the freshman as he’s a strong doubles player.”
Shook also expects junior Mike Gordon to contribute and mentor the young Mountain Hawk lineup.
Gordon was thrust into stiff competition in 2006-07. He had three singles and doubles victories, posting wins at fourth and fifth singles as well as second and third doubles.
“We were pleasantly surprised by Mike’s play last year,” said Shook. “He really stepped up and filled in as a walk-on, and now he remains as part of the mix. He’s a very smart player.”
Junior John-Michael Caminiti and sophomore Jesse Huth will also look to improve the team this season. Caminiti played to a 4-9 record at third doubles while also recording two singles wins; and Shook feels that “JM” has the potential to become an all-league caliber performer before he graduates. Huth will look to step up from his freshman season after recording a doubles victory against Fairleigh Dickinson and getting some singles playing time.
Joining the upperclassmen is a deep, diverse incoming class of players. Transferring from junior college in
The Mountain Hawks also welcome three freshmen to squad. Hailing from
The Mountain Hawks will open their 2008 spring campaign on Saturday when they travel to
