Lycoming News

After a challenging fall season, the Pennsylvania College of Technology's men's and women's tennis teams are preparing for their spring matches with hopes of improvement. Under the guidance of second-year coach David Straub, both teams aim to enhance their performance in the upcoming competitions.

The Penn College men's team will begin their spring season at home against Penn State Altoona on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Central PA Tennis Center. The women's team is set to host King's College on Friday, March 21, at the South Williamsport indoor facility. Both teams will commence United East Conference play on March 29.

Senior Alex Norris and junior Kyle Shuler from Williamsport return to lead the men's team, alongside senior Logan Ogden from South Williamsport, who was recognized as a United East second-team honoree last year. Freshmen John Finnegan from Hughesville and Seth Priestman from Bloomsburg have shown promise in singles play. Sophomores Hunter Knosky and Matt Williams are also part of the lineup.

Coach Straub commented on the team's progress: "Practices are going as expected. It's still difficult to get the players all together at once, but hitting balls will get our timing back and help the less experienced to shore up their fundamentals."

The men's doubles pairs of Norris-Finnegan and Knosky-sophomore Jayden Manbeck finished last fall with a record of 2-2. Last season, the men had an overall record of 2-9 and were 2-5 in the United East.

On the women's side, junior Ellen Buckley returns as No. 1 singles player. Coach Straub praised her commitment: "She is a very solid, knowledgeable and committed young lady, a real asset to the team." The women's team ended last season with a record of 4-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Sophomore Faith Murray showed success last fall with a 3-1 record and may play at either No. 2 or No. 3 singles this spring. Junior Lauren Peck has returned after deployment with the National Guard, adding strength to either No. 2 or No. 3 singles positions.

Freshman Chloe Campbell joins as a promising addition at No. 4 singles, while sophomore Kayla Weinzierl continues her development. Juniors Callistra Mahoney and Cicci Miller bring athleticism to the team.

Straub expressed optimism about the upcoming season: "Our teams have definitely improved over last fall... I'm optimistic, and I expect definite improvement."

The key challenge for both teams remains balancing academic commitments with sports schedules while aiming for competitive success in their matches.