Men’s Tennis Hopeful to Earn Skyline Tournament Berth in 2016

Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| After just missing out on the Skyline Conference playoffs in 2015, the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) men's tennis is set for a rebuild in 2016. With only three returning players and a host of new faces, head coach Glenn Nathan, who enters his 12th season at the helm of the program, believes this rebuilding process is necessary for the team's development.

"With the young team we're going to have, we'll be looking to lay down a foundation to become one of the top teams in the conference in the coming years," said Nathan. "That said, we're still confident we will compete at a high level this season and challenge for a playoff position."

Nathan's trio of returners feature seniors Brian Merle and Chris Corrao, and sophomore Matt Dioguardo, who all bring vital leadership and experience to the team. Merle and Dioguardio held down #5 and #6 singles spots last year, while Corrao, who did not play last season, slotted in at #4 singles in 2014.

Freshmen Matt Gilley and Peter Rasmussen, junior Wilfido Vasquez and senior Phillip Branigan make up the arriving contingent. "They bring a fresh attitude, and with their high school experience and their competitive play they'll take our program to the next level," remarked Nathan.

Supplementing the squad this season will also be three members of the SJC women's tennis team, who join the men's side following a fall campaign that saw the side finish runner-up to Farmingdale back in October. With Kelley McGrath (Sr.), Shannon Merker (So.) and Victoria Panicola (Fr.) on board, Nathan will boast a squad 10 players deep.

In terms of how the team will line up, Nathan states it's all up in the air at this point.

"Every spot this year is open and there will be strong competition to fill the top singles and doubles spots. Consistency, hard work and patience is what I'll be looking for when evaluating our players."

The Golden Eagles will open the season with a three-game home stand, beginning with a Skyline match vs. Purchase on Sun, March 20. Contests with CCNY (March 24) and Lehman (March 26) will follow.

SJC will wrap its regular season at home vs. Farmingdale on Thursday, March 28.