The Lesley University men's tennis team begins its 2009 campaign in the New England Collegiate Conference tomorrow against Mitchell College with the hopes of building off of last year's inaugural season.  The Lynx are returning four players from last year's team and are introducing several new players that will make a significant impact from day one.

North Atlantic Conference First Team Doubles player Fran Cusick (Lexington, Mass.) along with Peter Parrales (Otterberg, Germany) and Alejandro Lazo (Boston, Mass.) who played #3 doubles last season all return for the Lynx. 

Highlighting a group of talented newcomers are Sonny Ljutica (Shenendehowa, N.Y.) and David Newton (Hamden, Conn.) who Head Coach Paul Vasconcelos predicts will be facing off against some of tougher opponents in the NECC.  Both are accomplished players who will come in and give the team immediate credibility. 

"We are excited about competing in the NECC and hope to compete for a conference championship," commented Coach Vasconcelos.  "We have some good players returning being complimented by our freshman class."

Training the men's tennis team along with Coach Vasconcelos will be first year assistants Jon Civitella and Noel Erickson.  Both coaches come to Lesley with extensive playing and coaching experience and will most certainly impact the quality of play on the court this season.

Following their season opener against Mitchell College on Saturday, the Lynx will play their home opener against Becker College on Sunday, March 29 starting at 12:00 pm. 

To learn more about the Lesley University men's tennis team, please visit their website. 

Contact:          Rob Palardy
                        Sports Information Director
                        Lesley University
                        617.349.8627 (office)
                        617.349.8640 (fax)
                        rpalardy@lesley.edu