M. TENNIS SEASON PREVIEW: M. Tennis eager to start season

Coming off of one of their strongest fall seasons ever, the Penn men's tennis team hopes to continue its success and emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the east. With the exception of the loss of David Nathan to graduation, the core of last year's strong team is intact and strengthened by the addition of several exceptional freshmen. Enthusiastic about his team's prospects, Penn coach Gene Miller said, "this year, we're going to make our mark." Currently ranked 5th in Region 1 of the NCAA, the Quakers aim to move up at least one spot in order to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Ranked above them is Miami, a team whose recent entrance into Region 1 has been the subject of much debate. The future of the Hurricanes' presence in this region is currently shaky, and their possible exit enhances the Quakers' chances of joining the quartet that goes to the big dance. Penn is also a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), where it ranks fourth, as well as the Ivy League. Miller has his troops ready to mount a serious campaign for the Ivy title this year. "This year's talent level is as high as it's ever been," he said. Citing great chemistry and admirable work ethic as the team's strengths, Miller believes this year's Penn team will challenge perennial powerhouses Princeton and Harvard for the Ivy title. But perhaps the greatest advantage the Quakers will carry into every meet is their depth, as the team features four players ranked closely together in the top 30 of the ECAC. "I think you're going to see bunches of guys stepping up," Miller said. "There's going to be lots of matches where everybody fires." Having many players competing at the same level has fostered a healthy competition between the players. "It's a very positive competition," senior co-captain Marc Schecter said. "We have a serious but relaxing atmosphere. As one person gets better, the rest of the team improves as a result." Schecter attributed the rise in the level of play by the returning members in part to the impact of talented freshmen Marc Fisicaro and David Graziani. Their addition created a situation where "everyone has to continually compete at a high level," according to Schecter. At the ECAC Fall Conference Championships, the Quakers made the Final Four, signalling a warning to eventual ECAC champion Harvard that Penn would mean business in the spring. "We showed we could play at the top," Schecter said. Since the fall season serves primarily as a tryout and an opportunity to work on technique, the real season starts now. The Quakers open their season tomorrow with a doubleheader at home. Their first opponents at Levy Tennis Pavilion will be Pittsburgh at noon, and Maryland at 4 p.m.