By Josie Emanuelli
The men’s tennis team opens their season this weekend at the two-day Ranger Invitational tournament before facing the cross-town rival Fairleigh Dickinson University at home on Feb. 25 in their first dual match of the season. For the Invitational this weekend, the men will be facing Wilkes University, Roger Williams University and Dickinson College. The team is coming off of a strong fall season, where they won all three of their matches, sweeping two of them 9-0.
Following their match against FDU, the team will travel to Hilton Head, SC over spring break to begin to prepare for their first Landmark Conference matchup against Elizabethtown College on March 25.
The team is reliant on new energy and talent this season, as they have four incoming freshman and a transfer, Salikh Gilmutdinov (’18). The returners are all sophomores, so coaches Matt Brisotti and Lauren Mallon will be looking to them to step up throughout the season.
Bryce Weizer (’20) commented on the Invitational, “The Invitational is significant to the team because it marks the realization that our season is about to open. I think I can speak for the whole team saying that we are very excited to compete and are looking forward to get some match play in.”
Drew finished number eight out of nine teams in the conference, so they will also be looking to improve on their standings as well. If their fall season and strong first year class are any indication, they will be able to make an impact on conference this season.
