Due West, SC – The Men’s Tennis team at Erskine College is picked to finish 7th by the Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll. Last year the Flying Fleet finished in 7th place with a 6-16 overall record and 2-6 in the conference.
With all their players returning from last year’s squad, Coach Vardon Cox’s squad hopes to surprise some teams this year. Senior Nemanja Brcan (Subotica, Serbia) and Sophomore Angelo Ciarrocchi (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) were named All-Conference last year and give Coach Cox a strong pair at the top of the singles draw. Senior Caleb Barnes (Irmo, SC) should be completely recovered from a knee injury and, when healthy, will compete with Nemanja Brcan and Angelo Ciarrocchi at the top of the draw. Senior Ryan Miller (Simpsonville, SC), junior Fabio Ciarrocchi (Germiston, South Africa), cousin of Angelo Ciarrocchi, and sophomore Vincent Chauvette (Levis, Quebec, Canada) give Erskine experience and talent at the bottom of the draw. Coach Vardon Cox, who is entering his 41st season as the men’s tennis coach, also added one talented recruit to this year’s team in James Hoatson. The freshman from Harding, South Africa gives Coach Cox much needed depth in the lineup. James Hoatson will push the returning players and could very well play in the #4 or #5 singles spot and #2 doubles.
The Fleet schedule includes fourteen matches against nationally ranked opponents. Erskine opens their season at Georgia College on February 16 at 2:30pm. Two days later Erskine will have their home opener against Spartanburg Methodist College on February 18 at 2:30pm. For a complete men’s tennis schedule, please visit the Erskine College Athletic Web Site at ErskineCollegeSports.com.