FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After a strong finish to the Northeast Conference schedule, the Sacred Heart University men's tennis team is set for the NEC Championship Tournament beginning Thursday at the Mercer County Tennis Courts in West Windsor, N.J.
The Pioneers finished fifth with a 3-4 conference mark and will face number four Long Island in the opening round at 2 p.m. The second round of the tournament will be played at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the championship match at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The team is led by senior
William Wibmer who posted a perfect 4-0 NEC record at number one singles. Overall, Wibmer ranks fourth in the NEC in first singles at 8-7. Sophomore
Lefteri Apostolou teamed up with Wibmer this season at first doubles. The duo dropped just one NEC matchup (3-1) and rank third in the NEC with a 9-7 record at number one.
Two-time NEC Rookie of the Week
Matyas Vencl will also be looked to lead the team after a successful first season. A native of Czech Republic went 4-2 against the NEC at third singles and is one of the best players in that spot as he ranks second overall in the league at 9-9.
The Pioneers are itching for a rematch with the Sharks after a 6-1 loss back in February.
"We get a chance Thursday to redeem ourselves from an early season loss to LIU where we were missing two key starters from our lineup," head coach Mike Guestelle said. "They are well coached, but I think we are ready for the challenge, and we need to play at the top of our games in both singles and doubles to come out with a victory."
The founder of both the men's and women's tennis programs in 1994, Guastelle looks to lead SHU back to its first NEC Championship since 2005. He returned to coach this spring after serving as senior associate athletics director.
Last season, the Pioneers entered the tournament as the number three seed and took down number six Bryant, 4-0, but ended up falling to number two St. Francis Brooklyn in the semifinals, 4-0.
Check out the
NEC Championship headquarters for more information.
