Men’s tennis begins seasons by serving two wins

The men’s tennis team began its season by winning its first two games, and the first wins with the new coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams, Lucian Tabic.

“Men’s team won its two fall dual matches, and while this shows improvement, we’re definitely cautious about reading too much into it,” Tabic said. “I would attribute the positive start so far to a good overall team mentality of being consistent with effort and focus. “

This is the first time the men’s tennis team began a season with two consecutive wins, and the team also has not won two games in a season since its 2011-2012 season.

Both the men’s and women’s teams are in the non-season portion of the year where the team members will focus on physical conditioning until the season resumes in February. The women’s team lost its first and only game before the non-season against Bethel.

Fernando Pina, senior civil engineering major, began his second season on the men’s tennis team this year. Before playing tennis, he ran for the cross country team in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Pina believes that the team’s large roster, 12 members as compared to last year’s nine members, is one of the team’s strengths; however, five of the 12 members are freshman, which Pina said can create issues. Pina also believes that Tabic is one of the biggest strengths for both teams.

“Coach Tabic is great,” Pina said. “He brings a lot of experience as a player and coach. A word to describe him would be ‘disciplined.’”

Tabic served as the coach for Roosevelt University’s men’s and women’s tennis teams from 2013 to 2016. During his three years, the team won more than 30 games, a record for the university. When comparing Roosevelt University to PNW, Tabic said that the facilities at PNW stand out.

“Our student-athletes at Roosevelt had long commutes in the spring semester to indoor facilities. Here at PNW, we are fortunate to have a great outdoor facility at Dowling Park, and then we have great access to our indoor facility at Match Point Tennis and Fitness Club, which is only 10 minutes from campus, Tabic said.”

Next season, both teams will be playing in Division II, so Tabic is working with the teams so they can play on that level.

“I believe our program is set up to continue its path of development and play Division II,” Tabic said. “The players are excited, and I believe we can reach the markers that will allow us to play at the next level. Our main priority this year for both teams is to focus on the entire group.”

Women’s tennis will continue on Feb. 3 against Concordia University, and men’s tennis on Feb. 4, also against Concordia University.