South tennis looks to improve record in new league
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South sophomore R.J. Grampp tries to build off a 6-6 freshman season at first singles this spring. File photo

Moving from ECIC Division III to II will bring tougher competition for the Williamsville South boys tennis team but with only one senior on the roster, wins or losses are not how coach Richard Phillips will judge the season.

"With such a young team I'm not worried about our record this year," said Phillips. "Our target will be a winning season and better play by the end of the season."

South struggled in 2006, finishing 1-11, but fielded a team that lost eight of 10 players from its ECIC Division III championship team in 2005.

The only bright spot from last year's team, freshman RJ Grampp, returns at first singles. Grampp finished 6-6.

"He's a tremendous athlete with great speed and an excellent attitude," said Phillips. "He competes in other sports so he hasn't played much tennis recently, but he has already improved greatly since our first practice, and I'm sure he'll continue to improve as he plays more matches."

Ankit Pandey, the only senior on the roster, returns steadier at second singles.

Sophomore Greg Potter, a newcomer to the team, starts at third singles.

"A variety of players played that position last year and only won (us) two points," said Phillips. "Greg lost a three-set challenge match to Ankit Pandey so I think we have the potential to win some more points at third singles."

South's starting doubles positions are young. Freshmen Doug Bounds and sophomore Brian Zaprowski start at first singles. Both are newcomers.

"Doug is an aggressive doubles player with a very strong two-handed backhand," said Phillips. "Brian is a right-handed player who uses a two-handed forehand and hits balls to his left with a left-handed forehand. Brian has a good serve as well. They are a young team but seem to play doubles well."

The second doubles team is up for grabs. Sophomore Alex Miller, who played several matches last year, is currently playing with newcomer, junior Joe Paul. Challenging them are eighth-graders Harrison Sinatra and Joey Putrelo, who Phillips said are exceptional players for their age.

"Since they take lessons at the Village Glen, I'm sure they'll improve dramatically," said Phillips.

Freshman Patrick Wanamaker will also see time at a doubles position.
        South 2007 Schedule
4-18 Sweet Home ............. 4 p.m.
4-20 at Iroquois................. 4 p.m.
4-23 W.S. East ................... 5 p.m.
4-27 East ............................ 4 p.m.
4-30 at Lake Shore ........... 4 p.m.
5-2 at Hamburg ................. 4 p.m.
5-4 at Sweet Home........... 4 p.m.
5-7 Iroquois........................ 4 p.m.
5-9 at W.S. East................. 4 p.m.
5-10 Lake Shore................ 4 p.m.
5-14 at East ....................... 4 p.m.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com