2015 CCC Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Endicott men's tennis team has been selected to finish third in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Preseason Coaches' Poll with their 64 points and one first place vote. The reigning CCC Champions, Nichols was selected as the favorite with 80 points and eight first place votes while Roger Williams was chosen to finish second with 69 total votes. Voting for the poll was conducted by the head men's tennis coaches' in the conference.

Rounding out the remaining slots is Eastern Nazarene (53), Gordon (41), Western New England (40), Wentworth (31), Salve Regina (15) and Curry (12). 

The Endicott men's tennis team will enter the 2015 season looking to compete for the programs first appearance in the CCC title game under the helm of third year head coach Jeremy Howard. Last season the Blue and Green saw one of their most successful seasons in program history as they finished with an overall record of 9-8 while holding an impressive 6-2 record in the CCC. In 2014, the squad advanced to their fourth straight semifinal appearance before being knocked out by conference foe Roger Williams.

Coach Howard is eager to get the season rolling and start working towards their season goals, "Were looking to build on a third place finish last year and compete for a conference championship for the first time in program history." In order to get there the Blue and Green will rely heavily on their returners but also look to some key newcomers. "We have a good combination of returners and newcomers this season which will help us climb up the CCC ladder" says Coach Howard.

Helping Coach Howard lead the Gulls will be co-captains, seniors Eric Gandrup (Sudbury, Mass.) and Justin Warshavsky (East Hartford, Conn.) who will help shape the squad for the season ahead.

The Blue and Green will also welcome back junior Michael Dolph (Stratford, Conn.) who tabbed All-CCC Second Team honors for doubles along with an Honorable Mention nod for singles after finishing at 7-7 overall and 5-2 in the CCC. Also looking to make an impact as returners are sophomore Sean McAndrews (Vineyard Haven, Mass.) who held strong in the #5 slot last season going 10-5 (8-1 CCC),and senior Michael Lauretano (Winchester, Mass.) who played mostly in the #4 slot and partnering up with McAndrews on the doubles court. Gandrup will also play a strong doubles game as he went 10-7 last season while Warshavsky spent most of his time in the #6 slot (7-9, 5-4 CCC).

Coach Howard will also welcome a strong group of newcomers including transfer Eric Pierce (Barrington, R.I.), and freshman Christopher Kirkpatrick (Newburyport, Mass.) who are both expected to make an immediate impact towards the top of the lineup.

The Gulls started play in the fall season to help prepare them for the spring taking down regional opponent Springfield with a 7-2 final while falling to Stonehill (9-0) and Colby-Sawyer (7-2). Before their first home match of the spring season, the Blue and Green will travel down to Hilton Head, S.C. to compete in the Spring Tennis Fest. Endicott will faceoff with strong out of region opponents, Ramapo and Fairmont State while they matchup with NAC opponent Thomas on March 16^th.

These competitions will help prepare the Gulls for their road ahead as they look to make waves in the CCC tournament.

When the Blue and Green return home they will immediately dip into conference play as they travel to Eastern Nazarene for a 3:30 p.m. match on March 25^th  Last season the pair played a tight match with the Gulls pulling out the big 5-4 victory.

2015 CCC Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll