League foes on North boys tennis team's mind
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Eighth-grader Tony Miller returns as the starting first singles' player for the Williamsville North boys tennis team.

Clarence and Orchard Park have given the Williamsville North boys tennis team fits over the last two years, but hopefully this is the year the Spartans are the ones on the winning end and are able to compete for the ECIC Division I title.

"We have been unable to defeat Clarence and Orchard Park the previous two seasons, and both teams should be very strong again this year," said North coach Mike Vendetti. "In order to improve on our (8-3) record (from last year), we must play the big points well (game points, break points and tie breaks) against those two teams."

North already lost once to Clarence this season, falling 5-0 last Thursday at Clarence. The rematch is May 2 at North.

Most of the Spartans' starting lineup is set, although Vendetti said many of the positions are competitive between teammates and could change.

Eighth-grader Tony Miller returns at first singles. Miller, a sectional qualifier last year, has been groomed for tennis success at a young age, said Vendetti.

"He's very skilled in all phases of the game," said Vendetti. "He's been developing a big serve. His forehand is one of the best I've seen. He will have a chance to go undefeated at first singles and do well in postseason play."

Senior three-year starter Jack Jagodzinski is at second singles. Jagodzinski, a returning ECIC qualifier, is a good all-around athlete with consistency who has improved each year, said Vendetti.

"He's also comfortable coming into the net and is a tough competitor," said Vendetti. "We're looking for consistent performances from him throughout the season."

Alex Bronsky, a three-year starter, gets the start at third singles. Bronsky plays tennis all year long, has big ground strokes and loves to play from the baseline, said Vendetti.

"Alex should be more comfortable in his starting role this year and will put up a strong record at third singles," said Vendetti.

Returning three-year starters seniors Mike Beato and Julian Rothschild and first-year starters juniors Mark Balsom and Ben Joyce start at first and second doubles, respectively.

Vendetti said Beato and Rothschild should make a formidable doubles team all year long. Vendetti said Beato moves well, runs down every ball, has improved ground strokes and volleys, and communicates well with Rothschild. Rothschild, a returning ECIC qualifier in doubles, has consistent ground strokes and has been improving his serve variety and placement, said Vendetti.

Beato and Jagodzinski are returning captains.

"Both display leadership qualities on and off the court, whether it is organizing team-building activities or showing genuine care about their teammates and success for the season," said Vendetti.

Vendetti said Balsom has a good forehand, and Joyce's strength and movement on the court have improved.

"We are looking for a second doubles team to step up and demonstrate they can be successful all year long," said Vendetti.

Vendetti said others who will compete for a position at second doubles and will see spot starts include sophomore Raj Shah, junior Ram Venkateswaran, and seniors Matt Helm and Assen Petrov.

Vendetti said that along with Miller's play at first singles, the depth of the doubles teams is a team strength.

"We have eight players who could probably play doubles for most other teams out there," said Vendetti.

Vendetti will be joined by coach Jerry Moote, who hasn't coached the team in seven years.

"It's been great to get back and pitch in," said Moote.

"It has been a great benefit to have Jerry Moote in the fold as a coach this year," said Vendetti. "His experiences as the prior North head coach, playing ability, and tennis knowledge will contribute to any success we experience this year. Having two coaches working together who have played the game, study and are passionate about the sport can only be positive for our program."

Vendetti said team goals are to try to play the game the "right way," improve throughout the season and win the division and team championships.

Besides the loss to Clarence, North beat Amherst, 3-2, and lost to Nichols, 4-1, so far in 2008.
North 2008 Schedule
4-23 at Orchard Park ........................................... 4:30 p.m.
4-24 Starpoint........................................................ 4:30 p.m.
4-25 Lancaster....................................................... 4:30 p.m.
4-28 at Frontier..................................................... 4:30 p.m.
4-30 at W.S. West .................................................. 4:30 p.m.
5-2 Clarence .......................................................... 4:45 p.m.
5-5 Orchard Park.................................................. 4:30 p.m.
5-7 at Lancaster .................................................... 4:30 p.m.
5-9 Frontier............................................................ 4:30 p.m.