2023 Recap
The Drew University men's tennis team captured its second Landmark Conference title in three years with its 5-2 victory over second-seeded Goucher College.
Tournament MVP Leo Ambrogio rallied with a 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory at No. 3 singles to clinch the match for the top-seeded Rangers (16-4), who received an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Championship tournament. The title marked the eighth Landmark Conference crown in program history. The Rangers also captured the first six Landmark titles from the league's inaugural season in 2008 through 2013, and again in 2021.
The Drew University men's tennis team's tremendous 2022-23 season came to a close with a 5-0 loss to seventh-ranked Emory University in the second round of the NCAA Division III Championships.
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Nate Farlow (2nd Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 7-10 (3-4 Landmark)
The men's tennis program at Catholic University aims to capitalize on its successful 2022-23 season, during which the Cardinals achieved a 7-10 overall record and a 3-4 standing in conference play. This past fall, the team met the challenge, boasting a 5-1 record.
Key players returning to the Cardinals lineup include sophomores James Earwood and Diego Romo, both recognized as all-conference performers. Romo, a Second Team selection in 2023, went 5-1 in the fall season, primarily competing at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Earwood, also a Second Team awardee in his first year, secured a 3-2 record at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Additionally, the dynamic duo paired up for No. 1 doubles, achieving a 4-2 record this fall under the guidance of second-year head Coach Nate Farlow.
DREW UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Scott Veith (6th Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 17-5 (7-0 Landmark)
Under the leadership of Head Coach Scott Veith, a three-time recipient of the Landmark Conference Coach of the Year award, the Rangers are determined to sustain the momentum from their remarkable previous season. With a stellar record of 17-5 overall and an undefeated 7-0 standing in Landmark Conference play, the team dominated the competition. Their outstanding performance culminated in securing an eighth conference title, triumphing over Goucher College with a resounding 5-2 victory in the Landmark final. Additionally, they commenced their NCAA Division III Championships journey with a convincing 5-1 win against Saint Mary's (Md.) in the opening-round match.
Although the Rangers bid farewell to Avi Perera, the reigning Landmark Player of the Year, who graduated, after an impressive 10-0 record in conference play at No. 1 singles and doubles last year, the team remains resilient. Drew University boasts a deep roster, welcoming back four pivotal players: Shivi Perea, Santo Carroccia, Jack Polvere, and Daryl Wong-Li Hom, the latter having earned First Team Singles and Doubles honors in the previous year.
Elizabethtown College
- Head Coach: Michael Anderson (7th Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 1-11 (0-7 Landmark)
Concluding the 2022-23 season with a flourish, the Elizabethtown College men's tennis program secured a notable victory over Rutgers-Camden, triumphing 6-3 in the regular season finale. Buoyed by this success, the Blue Jays are eager to harness that momentum as they look ahead to the 2023-24 season.
Guiding the team is the promising freshman, Stefanos Billis, who spearheads a youthful roster for Etown. Billis showcased his talent this fall with a commendable 3-1 record at No. 2 singles. Additionally, he partnered with Max Lauver, notching two victories together at No. 1 doubles, further contributing to the team's success.
GOUCHER COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Clay Allen (3rd Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 8-10 (6-1 Landmark)
Over the past decade, the Goucher College men's tennis program has consistently made appearences in postseason, having played in an impressive seven championship matches and securing five titles.
As they gear up for the upcoming season, the Gophers boast a large and experienced lineup, with the return of four all-conference performers from the 2024 Landmark Conference Men's Tennis runner-up team. Among them is Angel Cerpa, who excelled as a First Team Singles and Second Team Doubles selection last year, is poised to provide invaluable veteran leadership. Alongside Cerpa are juniors Jackson Beam and Calis Nguyen, both distinguished by their inclusion in the All-Conference teams, and Manny Vidal. Additionally, sophomore Tadeo Asprella, recognized as a Second Team Doubles selection alongside Cerpa, brings his talent and experience to the team, representing one of two sophomores for Goucher. Furthermore, the team welcomes four promising first-years to bolster their ranks.
Despite a brief fall season, marked by participation in just two dual matches, the Gophers demonstrated their strength by securing victories in both encounters, boasting a perfect 2-0 record.
JUNIATA COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Nick Margiasso (2nd Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 5-8 (1-6 Landmark)
Following his appointment in the winter of 2022-23, head coach Nick Margiasso embarks on his inaugural full season leading the Juniata College men's tennis program.
As the Eagles transition into this new chapter under Margiasso's guidance, the team's roster boasts a well-rounded mix of seasoned leadership and burgeoning talent. Leading the charge is lone senior Ezenna Emuka, accompanied by juniors Ross Conway and Utsav Deravariya.
Contributing to the team's depth are sophomores Basile Gandon and Dillon Murphy, alongside two promising first-years, Arthur DeYoung and Adrian Di Benedetto Vasquez. Together, they form a dynamic ensemble poised to make their mark under Coach Margiasso's leadership.
LYCOMING COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Joel Reid (2nd Year)
- 2022-23 Record: 5-9 (3-4 MAC)
Lycoming may be a newcomer for men's tennis in Landmark, but this team has plenty of knowledge and experience as six of the team's eight players are either juniors or seniors. Head coach Joel Reid is no stranger to the game of tennis, as he is in his 14th year with the Lycoming College tennis program and he is entering his second as the head tennis coach in 2023-24.
The Lycoming men's tennis team finished the 2022-2023 season with a 5-9 record and a 3-4 mark in the MAC Freedom.
MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Mariana Freitas (3rd Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 16-5 (5-2 Landmark)
Under the stewardship of head coach Mariana Freitas since 2021, the Greyhounds' men's tennis program has flourished, boasting an impressive 24-14 record and clinching two playoff appearances in 2021 and 2023.
Returning to Coach Freitas' lineup is none other than the 2022-23 Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, Shayaan Farhad. Farhad's stellar performance last season, which saw him clinch 10 victories, earned him well-deserved recognition on both the All-Conference First Team Singles and Second Team Doubles. The sophomore has kicked off the fall season with a commendable 3-2 record at No. 1 singles.
Bolstering the team's strength is its wealth of experience, with a roster comprising one senior, five juniors, and three sophomores. Among them, Ryan Burke stands out with a notable fall record of 4-2. Additionally, the team welcomes two freshmen, including Gavin Labbadia, who has made an impressive start with a 4-1 record, adding depth and promise to the Greyhounds' lineup.
UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
- Head Coach: Jack Rubano (9th Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 7-11 (4-3 Landmark)
The Scranton Royals eagerly anticipate the spring season, embracing the opportunity for a fresh start with a well-rounded roster showcasing a blend of seasoned expertise and youthful promise. Notably, earlier in the fall season, three freshmen from The University of Scranton men's tennis team showcased their talent by clinching individual titles in their respective singles flights during day two of the King's Fall Invitational.
While Scranton went 1-3 in the fall season, the team's performance in the invitational demonstrated their potential for success moving forward.
Under the guidance of head coach Jack Rubano, who assumed leadership of the program in 2014, Scranton has enjoyed notable success, clinching appearances in the Landmark Conference playoffs on five occasions.
SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Bob Jordan (28th Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 6-8 (2-5 Landmark)
The River Hawks are poised to build upon their fall season triumphs as they transition into the spring, having closed the fall campaign with a solid 3-1 record. With a wealth of experience on their side, Susquehanna emerges as one of the most seasoned teams in the Landmark Conference this season, boasting a roster featuring six seniors.
At the helm of the team for his 28th season is Bob Jordan. Jordan's tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements, including guiding the River Hawks to four postseason appearances in the last five years. With high hopes and aspirations, Jordan and his players are eager to make a strong push for a coveted conference championship this year.
Wilkes University
- Head Coach: Todd Kane (3rd Season)
- 2022-23 Record: 1-10 (1-6 MAC)
The Wilkes men's tennis team is determined to bounce back from a challenging season and reclaim its position as a contender at both the conference and national levels, especially as they embark on their inaugural year in the Landmark Conference. Notably, the program boasted an impressive streak of 12 consecutive MAC Freedom titles from 2008 to 2019.
Eager to make an impact this spring are a cohort of talented first-year players, including Angelo Guzman, Robert Riley, and Sebastian Sylvester. They join forces with junior captains Nathanial Rathe and Connor Frey, along with the rest of the Colonels roster. With a blend of seasoned leadership and promising newcomers, Wilkes is poised to make a significant splash in the upcoming season.