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West
Windsor, N.J. -- Earning a national title is a great achievement
for any player -- as well as his coach. Last spring MCCC first
doubles partners, sophomore All-Americans Matt Pierson and
Jason Bielski, achieved that goal. (The team finished fifth
overall.) The new season, minus these two Mercer stars, begins
tomorrow in a home match against Harford (MD).
Despite
the loss of Pierson and Bielski, Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla
is confident that the 2011 team has the potential to make
it back to the NJCAA National Tournament. Three participants
from last year's roster of six who competed at nationals are
back, including Ben Pinter (Florence, NJ/Florence Twp), who
is moving up to no. 1 singles and no. 1 doubles. Juan Ramirez
(Pennington, NJ/Hightstown) is also back, playing at no. 2
singles and no. 2 doubles with Travis McCaughan(Princeton,
NJ/Lawrence), who will also start at no. 4 singles.
In addition to the veterans, Vecchiolla is excited about the
incoming freshmen. Leading the rookie class is Josh Parytka
(Florence, NJ/Florence Twp), who played no. 1 singles in high
school and, according to Vecchiolla, is steady and tenacious
at the baseline. "Josh's strengths are his forehand,
his footwork and his mental tenacity," Vecchiolla says.
Parytka will take the no. 3 slot for the Vikings in both singles
and doubles.
Other freshmen include Travis Virgil (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown),
who will start at no. 5 singles and no. 1 doubles, and Adam
Czaplinski (Lawrenceville, NJ/Lawrence), starting at no. 6
singles and no. 3 doubles.
Coach Vecchiolla observes that the strong newcomers will make
a difference for the entire team. "They help to raise
the bar at each practice and prepare each other for the competition
they will face as they take on their opponents around the
region," he said.
The
Vikings will host the Region 19 Championships again this spring
and hope to move from last year's runner-up status to Region
19 champs this year. The Vikings have the blend of experience
and new talent to do just that.
Vecchiolla
will be assisted this season by Ralph Bencivengo and Barb
Pleva.
For
the season schedule, click here.
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