Bloomsburg University Men's Tennis Preview

BLOOMSBURG- The Bloomsburg University men's tennis team will begin its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schedule on March 29 at Millersville University. The team recently completed a successful Spring break trip in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

The Huskies are hoping to rebound from a disappointing season in 2006 and already look to be much improved. Through seven matches this season, the Huskies (3-4) have nearly matched their win total from a year ago. During their Spring break trip, the Huskies posted a 3-2 record and defeated Rhodes College 7-1, Ithaca College, 5-4 and the University of Charleston 7-2.

The Huskies are led by junior Dan Gal (South Park/ South Park), who captured both the PSAC individual championship and the doubles championships with teammate Ryan Chow (Toronto, Canada/ Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute) during the fall season. Gal upset top-seed Santiago Baquerizo of Kutztown in the finals. In singles play, Gal is 12-3 and has a 36-28 career record.

Other key members of the team include Dan Phillips (Colchester, England/East Bergholt), Wil Biddle (Bristol, England/Richard Huish College), Ryan Glubo (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge), Geoff Whitely (Wernersville/Conrad Weiser), and Mike Marra (Bloomsburg/ Bloomsburg).

Phillips, a sophomore, has a 6-7 singles record, playing mostly at number 3 singles. "Phillips could be the best ball striker on the team," said Coyne. "He is learning to compete and is working on controlling his match environment."

Biddle, a graduate student, comes to Bloomsburg from Green Mountain College. "Wil has been a delightful surprise," noted Coyne. "He has come on strong in the Spring and he and Phillips combine for a great doubles team." Biddle and Phillips have a 7-3 record at number 2 doubles.

Glubo, a sophomore, returns after sitting out last Spring and this year's fall season. "Ryan is starting to mature," said Coyne. "He has worked hard in the fall and has developed more discipline." Glubo has a 3-4 record this season, competing primarily at number 2 singles.

Whitely, a junior, has a 5-6 singles record this season. "Whitely is a hard worker and his game has improved a great deal," said Coyne. "He is starting to come into his own as a player."

The Huskies will face some tough competition in the PSAC from teams such as East Stroudsburg and defending PSAC Champion Kutztown. However, coach Coyne and the Huskies are hopeful that the 2007 team can return to top of the PSAC.