Albion netters return good nucleus
Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Albion tennis team include, in front, Matt Kovaleski, Owen Foos, Emilie Barleben and Haley Bader. In back are Victor Benjovsky, Connor McQuillan, Donato Rosario, Kastriot Bela and Nate Smith.
Filling graduation losses at the three singles spots is key for the Albion tennis team as the Purple Eagles prep for the April 3 Niagara-Orleans League home opener against defending champion Medina.
Albion finished in the runner-up spot last year at 10-2 including handing Medina (11-1) its only loss.
The Purple Eagles return a good veteran nucleus including sophomores Connor McQuillan and Matt Kovaleski, juniors Victor Benjovsky, Haley Bader and Nate Smith along with seniors Emilie Barleben, Owen Foos, Donato Rosario and Kastriot Bela.
Albion’s graduation losses include the singles trio of Dylan Bader, Daniel Beam and Josh Metzler who each earned first team N-O All-League honors.
“We’ve got a good group back and we’ll be ready for it,” said Coach Jay Kovaleski. “I think the league will be very interesting this season. I’m looking for a lot of closely contested matches.”
Schedule
(Matches at 4 p.m.)
April: 3 – Medina, 5 – at Newfane, 7 – Akron, 19 – Roy-Hart, 21 – at Barker, 24 – at Wilson.
May: 1 – Newfane, 3 – Akron, 4 – at Medina, 5 – at Roy-Hart, 8 – Barker, 10 – Wilson, 17 and 18 N-O Doubles Tournament at Barker.
