The Portland State men’s tennis program is one of younger programs in the Big Sky Conference. This year, the team had no seniors on the roster and featured a new assistant coach, Angelo Niculesco, who was hired just before the start of the season.
The Portland State men’s tennis program is one of younger programs in the Big Sky Conference. This year, the team had no seniors on the roster and featured a new assistant coach, Angelo Niculesco, who was hired just before the start of the season.
That being said, the Vikings’ goal in 2012 was still to qualify for the Big Sky playoffs. It was going to be an uphill task, considering that only the top four out of nine conference teams at the end of the regular season make it to the semi-finals.
However, as the curtains came down on the 2012 season, Portland State finished at the bottom of the Big Sky table without a single conference win (0-8). They had an overall season record of two wins and 17 losses and ended with a 10-game losing streak.
In terms of results, this was the worst performance by the men’s tennis team in the three years under current head coach Jay Sterling. In 2010, men’s tennis had a 7-10 overall record (4-4 conference), and in 2011, they finished with a 5-13 overall record (2-6 in conference).
Both of Portland State’s wins came at home midway during the season in February. Playing at Club Green Meadows in Vancouver, Wash., the Vikings took their game against Seattle University 5-2 and demolished George Fox University 7-0. On the other hand, the Vikings suffered seven 7-0 defeats.
But there are some positives that the team can take away from the 2012 season. With all its players returning next season, the team will be wiser and more experienced. The team in general and each player in particular now know where the weaknesses are and have the summer to improve on them.
One of the aspects the team will undoubtedly be working on is capitalizing on their chances.
“It’s been the story of the season,” Sterling said. “Our guys compete well and fight hard but give up break-point opportunities. We can’t seem to find the next gear to close matches out.”
On the brighter side, there were individual performances which showcased some glimmer of hope for the future. Playing at number one in singles competition, redshirt sophomore Roman Margoulis displayed strong performances near the start of the season. He finished 2012 with a 6-12 overall record.
Junior Mitch Somach also won six games this season. His overall individual result was six wins and 11 losses. In the doubles, the pair of freshman Alec Marx and sophomore Abhinav Mishra had a winning record of five wins and just two losses.
And with all its players returning to the team in the fall, the men’s tennis program has plenty of time to get in the winning habit.
