WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Third-Year Head Coach Dave Straub has a good mix of returners and newcomers that he hopes can continue to take steps in building up the Penn College men's tennis program this season. The Wildcats open the fall schedule on Wednesday. Sept. 3, at Penn State Altoona (4:30 p.m.) and Friday, Sept. 5, at Lycoming College (4 p.m.).
Last season: 4-10 overall, 3-5 all United East, 3-4 UE regular season.
Coach: David Straub, third season. Career record: 7-22.
Top returnees: (last season's overall records) Senior Kyler Shuler of Williamsport (1-4 singles, 2-3 doubles); senior Logan Ogden of South Williamsport (7-6 singles, 5-9 doubles); junior Matt Williams of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey (3-1 singles, 4-7 doubles); sophomore Jayden Manbeck of Bethel (1-3 singles, 2-2 doubles).
Key losses: Alex Norris (5-7 singles, 6-7 doubles); John Finnegan (3-11 singles, 6-8 doubles); Seth Priestman (5-8 singles, 3-8 doubles); Hunter Knosky (1-11 singles, 3-4 doubles).
Top newcomer: Freshman Avery Hawk, Bermudian Springs.
Outlook: "We got pretty decimated," Straub said of the squad that lost its Nos. 2, 3, 5 and 6 singles players and will build around Shuler, who remains No. 1, and Ogden, No. 4 in the spring and now No. 2. Also, Hawk is expected to step into the starting lineup immediately. "I look for the players to gel, and have at least a .500 fall season," Straub said.
Inside the UE: Penn State Harrisburg is the two-time defending champion. Eight teams compete in the spring conference season.