Geneva Men’s Tennis is making a comeback after an 18 year hiatus. The program shut down after their 1997-1998 season (competing at the NAIA level) due to diminished interest, but interest has peaked again and the team back for round two, competing in the NCAA Division III Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
According to head coach Mandee Craft, the 11 member team has no seniors, so this season will be a perfect time to rebuild the program on a strong foundation. Craft is looking for individual improvement throughout the year, and she is hopeful for a spot in the PAC tournament.
Craft’s players to watch include freshman Eric Abbott (Seven Fields, PA / Seneca Valley), sophomore Jesse Hooke (Huntingdon, PA / Norwin), and junior Evan Shaw (Enon Valley, PA / Homeschool). Their previous experience will contribute to the team’s successes on the court. Without having to worry about losing players, the team will continue to grow and pave the way for a strong 2016-2017 season as well.
Off the court, this team brings a variety of leadership experience to the table.
“Everyone is stepping up and leading in different ways, and it’s just a really good group of guys,” said head coach Mandee Craft.
Men’s tennis will play nine matches in every group match, made up of six singles and three doubles. Just like the Geneva women’s tennis program, a player must win six games in a set and be ahead by two games or if tied at 6-6 they play a tiebreaker. Two out of three sets are required to win a match, and each match will contribute to the team’s overall score. In doubles, doubles they play each set to eight, instead of the best-2-of-3-sets model. A team must win at least five of the nine matches to win.
Their first match will be at the Brady’s Run indoor courts against Mt. Aloysius on February 26, 2016, starting at 6 p.m.
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