SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- The Lawrence Technological University (LTU) men's tennis team travels to Bethel University (Ind.) for a 2:30 p.m. match on Thursday afternoon.
Lawrence Tech (0-0) returns five student-athletes from its inaugural season including sophomore Vincent Colarossi who was named to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) All-Conference Honorable Mention team. Colarossi played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles last season. Also returning is Sergio Lopez, who went a season best 11-2 at No. 2 singles last year. Javier Alvarez returns for his sophomore season as does Mason Wenzel and Chad Northey.
"Our men's team comes back knowing what they should expect in conference play and with a year of college tennis under their belt," LTU Head Coach Stephen Behmlander said.
"They all have come back bigger, more agile and physically stronger. The offseason expectations were all followed closely, with each of them continuing the work and dedication that was the cornerstone of our first year. With a team made up of all freshmen last year, our recruiting class was very small, but the recruits we have added will contribute day one and have an immediately impact on our success this season."
Lawrence Tech adds two freshman, Jan Horstkoetter and Brandon Haarer to the roster. Horstkoetter arrives from Cologne, Germany via Gymnasium Rodenkirchen. Harrer is a local talent from Grand Ledge, Mich. and Grand Ledge High School.
"On our men's side is our returning team captain Vincent Colarossi," Behmlander said. "Vincent had a terrific summer of play and conditioning, he comes back stronger and more eager to compete. Also returning our our two Spanish players Sergio Lopez and Javier Alvarez. Both of them competed in Europe this summer and also spent some time together playing doubles together in several tournaments."
"Javier also spent most of his summer at one of the top 10 tennis camps in the world in Paris, France, and comes back more ready than ever to compete. Team captain Mason Wenzel returns as well. Mason is taller and in the best physical condition that I've ever seen him in. In early season practice, I believe this has added to his overall confidence, as well. We had a starter from our first season, Chad Northey, go down with an ACL tear, so we're hoping he's ready to go at the beginning of next season."
The Blue Devils won seven matches in their inaugural season, but came up empty against WHAC opponents, something Behmlander looks to change this season.
"Our expectations have not changed from our first year -.we will continue to compete and play smart, learn from what we do and continue to improve all within the Champions of Character guidelines of the NAIA," Behmlander explains. "I also believe we can begin to be competitive within our WHAC Conference. Although we didn't have any conference wins our first season, if you look closer within those matches in particular, you'll see the final score was not indicative of how closely some of those matches were contested."
The men's team plays seven non-conference opponents this fall including Taylor University (Ind.) (Sept. 10), Trine University (Ind.) (Sept. 30), Judson College (Ill.) (Oct. 9), Adrian College (Mich.) (Oct. 10), and Indiana University - East (Ind.) (Oct. 13).
"No matter if it's the men or the women, WHAC Conference play will again be a big step up," Behmlander explains. "Three of the six teams we will compete against this year have been, or finished last season ranked in the NAIA national top 25. That said, our teams aren't backing down. They competed well as freshmen, so I'm excited to see how they compete with a year of play in their back pocket. Several of our players successfully competed in tournament play over the summer with many of the same players they will face in conference play this season."
A comprehensive season preview of conference play is set to be released in early 2016.
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