2007-08 Men's Tennis Preview

Sept. 13, 2007

Milwaukee - Expectations are high for the 2007-08 edition of the Marquette University men's tennis team as it enters its third season in the BIG EAST Conference and there are a number of reasons to believe the Golden Eagles will enjoy a breakthrough campaign.

Fifth-year head coach Steve Rodecap, who has guided the Golden Eagles to back-to-back winning seasons, has assembled easily the deepest squad since his arrival. MU's roster features three experienced seniors and a total of seven players who have combined to earn 15 letters.

"I am really excited about the depth of this year's team," Rodecap said. "We will have a lot of options in singles and also a lot of different possibilities with our doubles lineup. The tennis season is long and the deeper the team is, the better chance we have to be successful at the end of the year."

Marquette posted a 14-8 overall record in 2006-07, earning a fifth-place finish in the conference championship. The squad returns each singles and doubles position from the three league tournament matches, providing this year's team with invaluable experience.

"We have had two years in the BIG EAST and I feel that we have performed well, but we know how important the regular season is now," Rodecap said. "We look forward to the process and proving that we can compete consistently at a high level. We will have several guys in the lineup this year that have experience within the conference, which should help us at the end of the year."

Marquette's corps of experienced veterans, coupled with a pair of talented newcomers, gives the coaching staff options in the lineup and creates a better competitive balance between the players trying to earn a spot in the regular rotation.

The team returns five players who played at least 30 singles matches, led by junior Trent Hagan and sophomore Niko Boulieris.

After seeing limited action as a freshman, Hagan developed into the squad's representative at No. 1 singles, where he collected an 11-9 slate in dual matches. He also teamed up with Pete Van Lieshout to form the MU duo at No. 2 doubles. His increased role will play a vital role in the team's success in 2007-08.

"Trent has improved his transition and net game, which is an important piece to his continued development for both singles and doubles," Rodecap said.

Boulieris was a pleasant surprise in his debut effort, playing on a consistent basis in both singles and doubles action. He posted a 10-7 record in dual match singles and teamed up with Stephen Shao to post a 13-4 mark at No. 3 doubles. The duo claimed three victories at the BIG EAST Championship, capping the season with a five-match winning streak.

"Niko's commitment to his teammates really impressed me as a freshman and I believe that he can be an excellent leader in a near future," Rodecap said.

Sophomore Mark Rutherford also completed a successful first season, finishing third on the squad with 17 singles victories. He proved to be a welcome addition in doubles as well, where he collected a total of 24 wins. He teamed up with Brett Binkley to post a 21-8 mark in tandem action.

"Mark has worked hard in the weight room to develop the strength to be able to compete for an upper lineup position," Rodecap said. "His versatility on the court allows him to create difficulties for the opposing player."

Binkley, a senior from Lenexa, Kan., is easily the most experienced player on the roster. He owns over 100 combined career singles and doubles victories and has played every position in the lineup except No. 1 singles. As a junior, he accounted for 15 singles victories, including 13 in dual match action.

"Brett's game allows him to play various styles very effectively and he has continued to improve from the baseline," Rodecap said. "He is one of the most competitive guys that I have ever coached."

After floating through the singles lineup as a freshman, Stephen Shao settled into the No. 2 position in 2006-07 and contributed 10 victories in dual play. He did not compete in another lineup spot and concluded the campaign with 15 total singles wins. Shao and Boulieris claimed an 18-7 doubles slate, including a 13-4 mark at No. 3.

"Stephen has improved his transition game, which I feel will allow him to compete at a higher level," Rodecap said.

Senior Greg Sirotek will again be counted on for a contribution in the singles lineup. He earned 13 wins last season and should break the 50-victory mark for his career early in the 2007-08 campaign.

"Greg's teammates will depend on him greatly throughout the course of a long season," Rodecap said. "He has always played well in spots throughout his career and this year I will be asking him to have a more consistent season."

One of three seniors, Van Lieshout saw a majority of his action in doubles last year and he now owns 54 career wins. He teamed up with Hagan for a majority of the dual matches, where the duo posted a 12-6 mark at No. 2. As he enters his final season, additional help in singles play is expected.

"I expect Pete as a senior, to fight for a starting lineup position in singles," Rodecap said. "Pete's work ethic and professional approach to the game will be a valuable asset to the entire team."

Newcomers Graydon Klassen and Dusan Medan both bring strong playing resumes to the roster. Klassen was ranked among the top prep players in the state of Missouri and Medan owns a year of collegiate experience after transferring to MU from Troy.

"Graydon's game has the potential to develop and his best tennis is definitely in the future," Rodecap said. "We're excited to add Dusan to the program and expect him to have a big impact on the team."