CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. – Having gone unbeaten in Skyline Conference regular-season play for two consecutive years, it is little surprise that St. Joseph's College has been selected as by the coaches as the conference's preseason favorite in 2010. The road won't be easy for the Golden Eagles, however, as 2009 runner-up Farmingdale State expects to provide a strong challenge.
After opening the 2009 season with three straight losses in Floriday, St. Joseph's reeled off 13 straight wins to earn the Skyline Conference title and NCAA tournament bid. The Golden Eagles return their top five singles players from last season, led by veteran Dan Celentano who anchors the lineup at the No. 1 position. Keith Houghtaling, John Funk, Kyle Barnett and Nick Donadio filled spots two through five in last year's championship match and give St. Joseph's an experienced lineup.
Farmingdale State, in just its third season of varsity tennis, has good reason to believe it can catch St. Joseph's. The Rams lost 5-2 in the championship match, but two unfinished matches were in the third set. Another 3-setter also went in favor of the Golden Eagles. Junior Joe Passarella anchors the lineup at No 1. Farmingdale State will have to replace its second and third singles players from last season.
Purchase, Bard and Mount Saint Mary were selected third, fourth, and fifth respectively. Purchase closed strong last season, winning its final four matches to finish 6-5. The Panthers return their top four singles players. Bard finished third last season, but must replace top singles player Quinn Olbrich. Mount Saint Mary returns three starters, but must fill holes at the top of its lineup.
- SKYLINE CONFERENCE MEN’S TENNIS
2010 PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
1. St. Joseph's-L.I. (8) 64
2. Farmingdale State (1) 57
3. Purchase 46
4. Bard 42
5. Mount Saint Mary 37
6. Yeshiva 32
7. NYU-Poly 20
8. Mount Saint Vincent 15
9. Sage 9
(first-place votes in parentheses)