January 25, 2021
East Central Community College tennis has always been a staple of the athletic department during the spring semester. The men's team wrapped up the shortened 2020 season last year 7-5, but with seven wins over the final nine matches, while the women's team finished 8-4, also with seven wins through the final nine.
"Our goals in the past have been achieving bids to the national tournament and competing for a state championship," said men's and women's head tennis coach Jay Pacelli. "Our goals are no different for the current players."
e women's team has four returning sophomores, including two internationals in Natalia Beltran and Alejandra Vargas. They are joined by Courtney Gill and Laila Sisson.
The men are also bringing back four sophomores and a pair of international players with Isaac Santitto and Chris Lawrance returning to the squad. Chris Albert and Jacob Gardner are also back for their sophomore campaign.
"I expect both teams to play at a high level throughout the season," said Pacelli. "However, our plan is to get stronger and improve as we go along and we want to be playing our best tennis in April."
Though the season is officially here, like all sports, the previous year has presented numerous challenges.
"We, like everyone, have had our challenges with COVID on the practice court and it has also taken away opportunities to compete with the cancellation of tournaments we are usually involved in," Pacelli said. "My main hope is that our team and our competition stay healthy above all else this season."
The Warriors and Lady Warriors open the season today as they play host to the Southwest Bears. Matches are set to start at 2 p.m.
