Boasting what he says is a deep and solid lineup, Pennsylvania College of Technology third-year tennis coach Charlie Baum is optimistic about his team's chances in the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference this season.
The Wildcats opened their season Saturday with a 6-3 victory over Delaware Community College.
"We're not as strong at No. 1 as we've been in the past, but throughout the four guys (and two women), I don't see us having any problem with most of our opponents this year," said Baum, whose team was 5-3 last season after going 7-1 during his first year.
Freshmen Robert "Spyke" Krepshaw, a graduate of Southern Columbia High School, and Aaron Capp (Red Lion) will split duty between the top two men's singles positions and anchor the No. 1 men's doubles team.
Playing at No. 3 in men's singles will be Andrew Littlejohn (Blandon), while Seth Emery (Mt. Union) goes at No. 4 singles. The men's No. 2 doubles team will consist of Merrill Bush (Muncy) and Matthew Treaster (Indian Valley). All four are freshmen.
Michal Wolf, a sophomore from Hughesville, and Tonya Strouse, a freshman from Central Mountain, will see action in women's singles for the Wildcats and, according to Baum, should combine for an unbeatable doubles combination that will be in contention for a state championship.
This season's Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Conference championships will be staged indoors at the West Branch Racquet Club in South Williamsport on May 4.