The Malone University men's tennis program, under the guidance of third-year head coach Brian Mogus, will look to improve upon the team's 8-17 overall record from last spring, when the squad was in its first season within the formidable Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1-10 conference record in 2013).  Now in its second season in the conference, the squad hopes to continue its climb started last year, after having improved upon a disappointing 1-16 overall record the previous spring. 

Although the 2013-14 squad has competed in two matches this past fall, it is the spring season which is their primary campaign. This year's 13-14 roster consists of two seniors, four sophomores, three freshmen and one red-shirt freshman.

Among the top returnees for the team this year is sophomore Youssef ElSonbaty, who played at the number one singles position last season, posting a team-best (tied) 14-11 singles mark. He also notched a team-high 14-11 mark in doubles (at #1 doubles), teaming with graduated senior Nate Davis.

"Youssef played #1 singles and earned Second Team All-GLIAC," said Mogus.  "I think he's a player even better and more aggressive than last year."

Sophomore Steffan Dwarkasingh and senior Brett Krejci are two other returnees who Mogus will look to for leadership.   Dwarkasingh finished 8-17 at the #5 singles spot last season and tallied an 11-10 mark at #3 doubles with graduated senior and current Pioneer assistant coach Alex Steinmetz. 

"Stef is a smooth player," stated Mogus.  "Just looking for a solid game plan of serve-and-volleying is our focus this year for Stef because he has a great game for it."

"And Brett is going to be one of our most steady doubles players and I'm hoping his experience comes into play," Mogus said.

Sophomore Vladyslav Dyenyezhka and sophomore Andrew Hill are two other solid returnees who will look to make an impact. Dyenyezhka was 5-17 at #3 singles last year while Hill posted a 7-13 mark at #6 singles.

Among the top newcomers for the squad are freshmen Trevor Bowers and Puneet Sharma along with senior Scott Glasgow.  Although he didn't compete in a match at St. Bonaventure University (NY), Sharma did transfer to Malone from the NCAA Div. I institution, having trained with the men's tennis squad.

"Puneet is a lefty and has many weapons," commented Mogus.  "His Division I experience should give him an edge. He is always looking to practice and work on things and I think he'd be on court all day if he could."

"Trevor is a very talented player," said Mogus.  "He is going to make an impact right away as a freshman. I'm looking forward to seeing how he adjusts and handles himself in conference."

"Scott is a senior who decided to come out for the team his last year," stated Mogus.  "He is going to start for us and his attitude and energy are exactly what we need."

Freshman Seth Byrd also joins the Pioneer roster this year.  Freshman Devin Koehler is a redshirt this season and will not be eligible to compete in matches.

Malone will open its spring season in a home match against NCAA Div. II Lewis University (IL) on Friday, February 14th at 1:00 p.m. at the Green Tennis Club in Green, Ohio.  The Pioneers will then play three other home contests before heading to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina during spring break (March 3rd-7th), where they will compete in four matches.

"Our first match this spring is against #46 Lewis and I think this will give us a look at where we stand currently and what we need to improve on," Mogus noted.    "We have nine guys that can play, which is the deepest I've seen the team since I've been around.  I'm excited to see what we can achieve if we keep pushing!"