WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College men's tennis team look to take leaps forward this year in the PAC during the 2022 season. W&J will open its season today (March 30) on the road against Franciscan.   

2020-2021 Season Review: The Presidents finished the season competing in six competition matches and the quarterfinals of the PACs during the abbreviated 2020-21 season.

W&J secured their first win against competitor Waynesburg, all six singles matches were decided in straight sets. W&J picked up victories in four of those matches. Nate Wang (Venetia, Pa./ Peters Township) rolled by a 6-1, 6-1 score at the No. 1 spot. James Gunn (Beaver Falls, Pa./Riverside) won 6-0 and 6-1 at number five while Sam Bellini (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Lebanon) claimed a 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 2.

William Gunn (Beaver Falls, Pa./ Riverside) secured the victory for the Presidents with his win at No. 6 singles. He won in straight sets by scores of 6-0 and 6-3, advancing W&J to the PAC Quarterfinals with a final score of 5-4.
The Presidents saw its 202-2021 season ended after they lost 6-3 to Franciscan University of Steubenville in the PAC Quarterfinals.

"The team has drive, determination and good leadership from classes, said head coach Megan Foster. "In tennis success on the court is not just about hitting the ball hard it's about knowledge of the game, placement over power and I think these guys are getting that."

Seniors Nate Wang and Sam Bellini both closed out their collegiate careers with wins at No. 1 and No. 2 singles against Franciscan in the PAC quarterfinals.

Despite missing virtually all of the 2019-20 season, Wang concluded his four-year career with 37 singles wins and 32 doubles victories. Bellini totaled 17 singles wins and 16 doubles triumphs in his three years with the Red and Black.
Both players were named All-PAC First Team in singles and Second Team All-PAC in doubles.

Additionally, Wang earned the All-District honors for a second straight year. He was a Third Team All-America At-Large selection by CoSIDA last year.

Team Captains: Billy Gunn, Jimmy Gunn

Returners: The Presidents welcome back five returners from the 2020-2021 team.

The Presidents have big shoes to fill after Seniors Nate Wang and Sam Bellini both graduated.

"All the players on the team have taken a role in leadership in one way or form," said Foster. "Of course, the Gunn brothers stepped up and had great role models and shoes to fill from Wang and Bellini." 

Senior James Gunn returns for his final year after an impressive junior year.

"Jimmy has really grown into his game, he struggled a little but found his groove last year. He has worked on his game and has a positive attitude for this year," said Foster. "I will add his brother Billy came off an injury that he was in recovery with and is back to playing just as good as his brother. The two of them together having a strong mindset on the court and a voice for the team has been very helpful for the players."

Gunn earned the third and last win for W&J in the quarterfinals, with Wang and Bellini. He was also one of two wins for W&J against Franciscan, taking down his competitor in a tiebreaker at No. 6 singles.

Sophomore Nolan Rehrig (Jim Thorpe, Pa./ Jim Thorpe Area) returns for another year with the red and black. Rehrig showed the PAC what he had to offer right off the bat. Rehrig teamed up with Wang at No.1 doubles to earn an 8-4 victory at their season opener for his freshman debut.

"Nolan has to continue growing his game and develop a strong mindset for tough matches," said Fosster. "I expect him to improve his game over the years and raise the bar of play as newer players come on the team."

Senior William Gunn and sophomores Joey Aoli (Upper Saint Clair, Pa./ Upper Saint Clair) and Tyee McMaster (Waynesburg, Pa./ Waynesburg Central) all return for their second year with W&J.

Newcomers: W&J welcomes four freshmen in 2022.

"We've got new faces that are vibrant on the court! Our First-year players Abhinav Y, Joey P and Sam V will bring a lot to the matches," said Foster. "They have already shown me much improvement at practice and are extremely coachable. Their level of play will only get better as they compete and grow with the team. Joey Ioli and Jacob Black have also been great additions adding depth to team." 

Joseph Panahandeh (Murrysville, Pa./ Greensburg Central Catholic)
Nate Witkowsky (Washington, Pa./ McGuffey)
Abhinav Yarramaneni (Mountain View, Calif.)
Samuel Vessah (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg)
 
Looking at the Schedule: The Presidents are scheduled to play a seven match, PAC-only schedule in spring 2022. W&J will host four of seven matches, traveling to Franciscan (Mar. 30), Waynesburg (April 9), and Saint Vincent (April 20).

Last Word: "I'm extremely proud of the guys they have worked hard and really enjoy playing the sport," said Foster. "They have been practicing all year waiting for the season to begin and I look forward for them to have their moment to compete."