Team Plays Football in the Snow

A group of Gator tennis players celebrated the last day of classes Wednesday and faced off against each other in a game of football. Weather conditions made the game a challenge as snow falling accumulated on the 2 feet plus that already lay on the ground. Footballs were not the only thing being thrown around as the occasional snowball found its target. Following the game the team enjoyed a nice cup of hot chocolate to warm back up.

Allegheny Players Take Advantage of PTR on Campus

The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) on Campus program came to Allegheny College this past weekend. The program consisted of a two day certification program that covered the fundamentals of tennis instruction. Several Allegheny tennis players took advantage of the program as well as members from the community.

Head Coach Jared Luteran Honored for Community Service

12/2/2010 2:24:14 PM

MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College men’s and women’s head tennis coach Jared Luteran was named the middle states sectional winner of the 2010 United States Tennis Association (USTA)/Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Campus and Community Outreach Award as it was announced by the USTA/ITA.

Luteran was among 12 sectional winners spanning the continental United States and Hawaii representing NCAA Divisions I,II,III and NAIA tennis programs. The award is given to coaches that demonstrate a leadership role in promoting, organizing or participating in campus and community tennis programming that encourages tennis participation and the support of various USTA sanctioned programs.

In 2010, Luteran and his tennis programs have put in over 500 hours of community service. In that time, they have participated in projects such as the Second Harvest Food Drive, the Up Till Dawn benefit for St. Jude's Hospital, and have volunteered time at the Meadville Children’s Center.

They also are involved with several annual events such as Make A Difference Day and Campus Kids Day. For their Make A Difference Day in 2010, the men’s and women’s teams cleaned up the Lincoln Avenue Park. On Campus Kids Day, they invite kids from the community to attend one of their spring home matches, be a part of the player introductions and team huddle prior to the match.

The ITA serves as the governing body of tennis at the collegiate level while the USTA serves as the governing body for tennis in the United States.

Coach Riskie's Whirlwind Recruiting Tour 2010

Coach Riskie has hit the road with the goal of meeting some of the best tennis players the east coast has to offer. Last week he was in Hershey, PA for the Pennsylvania girls' tennis championships, Philadelphia for the USTA Middle States College Showcase, and New York City for the USTA Eastern College Day. He got to watch top players from each area play and talk with potential future Gators. He wraps up his whirlwind tour on November 20, when he travels to William & Mary for the USTA Mid-Atlantic College Showcase.

PTR Workshop at Allegheny College!

Hilton Head Island, SC - - Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) will be at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to conduct its Teaching Essentials Workshop, ideal for tennis teachers who wish to become certified and for those who plan to teach tennis full or part time. The workshop, open to all interested parties, will be held December
4-5, 2011.

PTR is the industry leader in professional tennis teaching and continued educational development for tennis coaches. The Teaching Essentials Workshop emphasizes the fundamentals of teaching group tennis lessons, teaching biomechanically sound strokes, error detection and corrective techniques, and the logistics of organizing group drills. The 10 hour course, held primarily on court, prepares participants for the five part certification exam. The test will be administered at the conclusion of the workshop.

For more information or to register, call PTR Headquarters at 800-421-6289 or visit www.ptrtennis.org

PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 14,000 members in 122 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches in order to grow the game.

Gators Give Back to Community

The team in front of the fire for Make A Difference Day

The Free Tennis Clinic

October 16 & 17, 2010
Meadville, PA
This past weekend the Gators dedicated themselves to giving back to the surrounding Meadville community.

Saturday was Make a Difference Day, a nationally recognized day of community service. The team piled up sticks and branches in nearby Lincoln Avenue Park, then set those piles on fire. The Gators, used to setting fires on the tennis court with their high caliber of play, were happy to clear the unwanted debris in the park.

Sunday the team held their annual Free Tennis Clinic. The event attracted kids from the community between the ages of 4 - 17. The kids got to learn technique, play games, and win some prizes.

Gators Continue Strong Play at Oberlin Invitational

Day 1

10/2/2010

OBERLIN, Ohio – Due to a rain soaked day at Oberlin, day one of the men’s Oberlin Invitational had to be played indoors and matches were forced to move to 8-game pro set scoring to get all the scheduled matches in. As a team, the Gators went 16-8 overall, 8-4 in singles play and 8-4 in doubles play.

Rookies Pat Cole and Frank Mosconi and sophomore Max Sosa swept through day one competition unscathed. The doubles team of Cole and senior Alex Bonfiglio dropped only two games through their two doubles matches.

All the teams in the invitational are Division III except for Division II representative Tiffin. The Gators combined went 5-2 against Tiffin.

The second and final day of competition will be played on Sunday, October 3rd. Following the Oberlin Invitational, the Gators will take on Division I Robert Morris University to wrap up their fall season.

Day 2
10/3/2010

OBERLIN, Ohio – Rain forced play to be moved indoors for the second straight day at the men’s Oberlin Invitational on Sunday. Day one was a successful day for the men’s tennis team as they went 16-8 between singles and doubles play. Day two yielded even better results for the up-and-coming men’s tennis program. The Gators turned in a mark of 14-4, including an impressive 10-2 record in singles play.

Freshman Frank Mosconi and and sophomore Max Sosa came out of the invitational unbeaten in singles play, and the two also went undefeated in doubles play as they teamed up to go 3-0 in doubles during the tournament.

Highlights from the weekend!

JJ gets barricaded into the bathroom with tennis bags so when he opens the door...

...all the bags fall on him! Ha Ha

Lucas Luteran gets new tennis racket for 4th Birthday!!!

Women's Team Rewarded with Paddle Boat Cruise

The women's team enjoyed a paddle boat cruise and tour of historic Conneaut Lake as a reward for being named an ITA All-Academic Team last year. Outings like this are a result of all the hard work they put in on the court and in the class room. Great job ladies!

Men Have Great Showing at ITA!

The six starters on the men's team had the privilege of competing in their first ITA Regional Championships. To add to the excitement, it was held on the same courts where legends like Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver, Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe and John McEnroe played while competing in the USTA National Championships--a 67 year old staple of tennis tradition. The boys were honored to be playing at such an historic site, but they didn't let it intimidate them as they had one of the best showings in the history of Allegheny Tennis. See the pics and videos below. To learn more about the history and tradition of the courts at Kalamazoo, click here http://ustaboys.com/tournament_history.html

The boys are all studying while waiting for their next match. This is what Div. III tennis is all about.

Here are the Kalamazoo courts, home of the USTA National Championships.

Max Hennessy gets ready to unload on a serve while playing on one of the feature courts at Stowe Stadium.

Pat Cole and Jonathan Jordan made it all the way to the finals of the Kalamazoo Doubles Tournament!

Uros hits his famous down the line forehand passing shot.

JJ and P-Cole demonstrate their quick hands that took them all the way to the finals.

Max Hennessy slams the ball out of the facility thanks to Uros Predic's perfectly placed serve.

Women's Tennis Blanks Blue Devils

9/24/2010

Box Score

MEADVILLE, Pa. – Friday night saw the best performance of the Allegheny women’s tennis team as they handed the visiting Blue Devils of Fredonia State a clean sweep 9-0 at the Robertson Tennis Complex. Each match was dominated by the Gators and the team match was already decided after Sara Longo (no. 1) and Deb Landau (no. 2) finished their matches in succession and posting identical results (6-0, 6-1).

The only hiccup of the night came in Flight three as Elyse Schmitt dropped the first set 3-6, but rallied in the second set winning 6-0 and forcing the 10-point super-break in lieu of a third set. Schmitt sealed the win, 10-3, in the super-break. This is the first time this season that either tennis program has pulled off a clean sweep of an opponent.

The women head to Moon Township, Pa. October 5th to conclude their fall season as they will take on Division I, Robert Morris University.

Doubles Sweep Propels Gators to Win Over John Carroll

9/21/2010

Box Score

MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Gators (2-3) jumped out to a 3-0 advantage over non-conference foe John Carroll on Tuesday night, as the women’s tennis team ran through doubles action only losing a combined nine games through the three doubles matches. The doubles sweep gave the Gators a sizable advantage heading into singles play.

Deb Landau made quick work of her opponent in no.3 singles winning 6-1, 6-0 putting the Gators within one win of clinching the team match. Sara Longo battled in her match but fell short in the second flight losing 6-4, 6-3. The clinching singles victory for the Gators came in no. 5 singles as Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly won her match 6-4, 6-2. With the team match already decided, the Gators picked up one more singles win as Elyse Schmitt had to use a tie-breaker in the second set to earn the win, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

The Gators will play host to Fredonia State on Friday, September 24th at the Robertson Tennis Complex starting at 4:30 pm.

Elyse Schmitt finishes point at the net.

Allegheny Men Post Consecutive 8-1 Victories

9/21/2010

Box Score
MEADVILLE, Pa. – After dropping the first match of the night, no.1 doubles, the Gators (4-1) went on a tear as they won the final eight matches and cruised to an 8-1 team win. The 8-1 team score is the second time in as many dual matches that the Gators have handled their opponent. The Gators first 8-1 output came last Tuesday at home as they dominated Division II Mercyhurst.

The dominant performance for the Gators against John Carroll was most evident in singles play. As a team, through six singles matches, the Gators collectively dropped only 11 games and posted seven 6-0 game wins. Uros Predic and Jonathon Jordan turned in perfect score sheets as each notched 6-0 wins in both sets. The tandem of Jordan and Patrick Cole turned in the dominating doubles performance going unscathed in no.3 doubles 8-0.

The men head out of town looking to remain sharp as they will participate in the ITA Tournament held in Kalamazoo, Mich. starting this Thursday.

Jonathan Jordan hits an ace and continues undefeated ways in singles.

Oberlin Invitational – Day Two

9/18/2010

OBERLIN, Ohio – Carolyn Shetter and Kathleen McBride highlighted day two of the Oberlin Invitational for the women’s tennis team as they picked up singles victories to keep them undefeated through the first two days of the invitational. Both Shetter and McBride won their singles matched in straight sets.

Shetter kept her singles momentum with her into doubles action as she and her doubles partner Sara Longo dominated the paring of Jane Lent and Sarah Short of NCAC foe Denison 8-0. Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly and Deb Landau matched Shetter and Longo picking up the only other doubles win on the day beating Kate Westenberger and Lilianna Broussalian of Denison 8-3.

Singles

Amanda Polster (KEN) def. Sara Longo (ALL) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

Carolyn Shetter (ALL) def. Kara Richardson (CW) 6-3, 6-3

Kathleen Evers (KEN) def. Cortney O’Brien (ALL) 6-3, 6-1

Bianca Patel (CW) def. Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly (ALL) 6-4, 6-2

Preeya Shah (OB) def. Deb Landau (ALL) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(9-7)

Kathleen McBride (ALL) def. Taylor Cooper (TIFF) 6-3, 6-2

Katy Marshall (BW) def. Amy Ochsenreiter (ALL) 6-2, 6-1

Emily Kiourtsis (OWU) def. Elyse Scmitt (ALL) 6-2, 6-2

Doubles

Melaika Bora Messi/Emily Egan-Moriis (TIFF) def. Carolyn Shetter/Sara Longo (ALL) 8-3

Carolyn Shetter/Sara Longo (ALL) def. Jane Lent/Sarah Short (DEN) 8-0

Elizabeth Emhardt/Caroline Margraf (DEN) def. Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly/Deb Landau (ALL) 8-5

Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly/Deb Landau (ALL) def. Kate Westenberger/Lilianna Broussalian (DEN) 8-3

Becky Simon/Wodenshek (OWU) def. Cortney O'Brien/Amy Ochsenreiter (ALL) 8-6

Kristi Gales/Kelsi Wurm (ONU) def. Cortney O'Brien/Amy Ochsenreiter (ALL) 8-2

Emily Pelosi/Jenny Greene (BW) def. Elyse Schmitt/ Kathleen McBride (ALL) 8-6

Kathleen Evers/Theresa Smetona (CW) def. Elyse Schmitt/Kathleen McBride (ALL) 9-7

Kathleen McBride wins a point at the net.

Women's Tennis Sweep Singles in Oberlin Invitational

9/18/2010

Oberlin, Oh. – The Allegheny women’s tennis team enjoyed a great day one to the Oberlin Invitational Friday night ending the opening day of competition unscathed in singles play. All eight of the singles matches ended in wins for the Gators. Cortney O’Brien, Amy Ochsenreiter, Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly, and Sara Longo won in straight sets. Kathleen McBride had the comeback of the night rallying from being down 5-1 in the second set and forced a tiebreaker in that set to seal the win.

Longo, Shetter, Hodgkiss-Lilly, and Landau were undefeated in singles and doubles on the day. The woman’s tennis team is back in action on Saturday in day two of the Oberlin Invitational.

Singles

Carolyn Shetter (ALL) def. Lilianna Broussalian (DEN) 4-6, 6-1, 6-0

Cortney O'Brien (ALL) def. Morgan Baker (BW) 6-1, 6-0

Amy Ochsenreiter (ALL) def. Jenny Provost (ONU) 6-4, 6-2

Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly (ALL) def. Kathleen Evers (Case Western) 6-4, 6-1

Elyse Schmitt (ALL) def. Lauren Rife (ONU) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1

Sara Longo (ALL) def. Preeya Shah (OB) 6-4, 6-3

Deb Landau (ALL) def. Emily Pelosi (BW) 4-6, 6-3, 7-5

Kathleen McBride (ALL) def. Julie Christensen (OB) 7-5, 7-6 (7-5)

Doubles

Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly/Deb Landau (ALL) def. Emily Kiourtsis/Pam Quigney (OWU) 9-8 (8-6)

Christie Gales/Kelsi Wurm (ONU) def. Elyse Schmitt/ Amy Ochsenreiter (ALL) 9-7

Kathleen Evers/Bianca Patel (Case Western) def. Kathleen McBride/ Cortney O'Brien (ALL) 8-0

Sara Longo/Carolyn Shetter (ALL) def. Kate Westenberger/Lilianna Broussalian (DEN) 8-2

Carolyn Shetter with a nice fist pump!

Gators Roll Lakers

9/14/2010
MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Allegheny Men’s tennis team took to the lights and picked up an impressive win over Division-II Mercyhurst College on Tuesday. The lone blemish on the evening for the Gators came in a loss in no. 1 doubles as the Gators nearly pulled off the sweep winning the dual match 8-1.

The wins did not come easy for the Gators as a couple of players were down in their singles matches before making incredible comebacks to secure the wins. No. 1 singles competitor Alex Bonfiglio dropped the first set 3-6 then found himself down 9-5 in a 10-point tiebreaker, and then proceeded to rattle off six straight points for the 11-9 victory. Pat Cole came back from a 7-2 disadvantage in a 10-point tiebreaker but rallied for eight straight points to win the match in the fourth flight. Jonathon Jordan handled his match 6-1, 6-1 to remain undefeated in the fall for the Gators competition in flight six.

Alex Bonfiglio puts an overhead away.

Allegheny Challenges D-II IUP in Championship Match

MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Gators blew past their opening round opponent NAIA representative Walsh University, 8-1 on Saturday to advance to the championship match of the 7th Annual Nancy J. Heath Gator Invitational. The Gators only dropped one matchup as Walsh’s Allison St. George knocked off Elyse Schmitt (3-6, 6-2, 10-8) in No. 3 singles. The lone blemish in round one set up a meeting with D-II Indiana University of Pennsylvania, who was regionally ranked 8th at the end of year last spring in the Atlantic Region.

The Crimson Hawks held strong in singles competition suffering one defeat as Deb Landau defeated IUP’s Ranvita Mahto (6-4, 6-3). The brightest spot of the tournament came in doubles action as the Gators No.1 doubles duo of Carolyn Shetter and Sara Longo bested the No. 1 pairing of Katie Eaton and Ranvita Mahto (8-6). IUP worked around the two defeats to earn the team victory over the Gators (7-2) and take the tournament championship in the process.

Gators Reach Championship; No. 8 Carnegie Mellon Takes Crown

9/11/2010

MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Robertson Tennis Complex played host to the 7th Annual Nancy J. Heath Gator Invitational on Saturday. The Gators pushed passed NAIA competitor Walsh University in the first match of the tournament 6-3. After losing the No.1 singles match, the Gators rallied to sweep the No. 2-6 singles matches and picked up a No.2 doubles win to secure the team win and advance them to the championship match against No. 8 Carnegie Mellon.

The Tartans garnered the national ranking from a year ago and proved to be too much for the Gators in the championship match taking the team win 7-2. The Gators were able to salvage the singles matchups picking up a win in the No. 6 singles as Jonathan Jordan took down Mason Radford (6-2, 6-4). The Blue and Gold were also able to avoid a sweep in doubles action as the duo of Max Hennessy and Uros Predic knocked off the Tartans No.1 doubles team of McTaggart and Alex Nemerov. Nemerov, ended last spring ranked 31st as a singles competitor in Division III.

Coach Luteran's Blue Team took Gold in Annual Blue/Gold Scrimmage

Where's the flood Coach Riskie?

The Allegheny Tennis Blue/Gold Scrimmage is an annual inter-squad scrimmage. Coach Luteran led his Blue team over Coach Riskie's Gold team with an 11-9 decision. The losing Coach has to wear a ridiculous outfit at the very next practice and this year's outfit did not disappoint the ridiculous meter.

Allegheny Upends Grove City, 8-1

9/8/2010
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Despite conceding the top singles spot, the Gators opened the 2010 campaign with a tremendous victory by dispatching reigning Presidents Athletic Conference champion, Grove City College, 8-1, on Wednesday at Robertson Athletic Complex. Allegheny jumped out to a 3-0 lead after sweeping doubles and cruised to its third straight victory over the regionally-strong Wolverines. Max Hennessy, Uros Predic, Jake Allamaras, and Jonathan Jordan secured victories in both singles and doubles on the day.

Annual Fall Team Retreat

Freshman Ryan Pearson does a pro tennis player impression.

The women's team discusses the upcoming season.

The men's team talks about their goals.

The Annual Fall Team Retreat is a team building experience that focuses on creating team unity. Captains, players, and coaches participate in team building activities that help create team chemistry amongst new and returning players. Team policies and goal setting are also covered during the retreat. This year's retreat started in the Campus Center, then moved to Coach Luteran's house for dinner and a wrap up.

Team Does Fun Run at Woodcock Dam

With slick conditions on the tennis courts this past Saturday morning, the team strapped on their running shoes and completed a timed mile at nearby Woodcock Dam. Afterward, they enjoyed a nice breakfast at The Artist's Cup in downtown Meadville.

Scavenger Hunt at the Crawford County Fair

The team took a break from try outs on Saturday to participate in a scavenger hunt at the Crawford County Fair. Coach Luteran broke the team into 6 groups mixing freshman and newcomers with returning players. Each team was given the mission to find a list of items scattered throughout the fair within a 30 minute time limit. All members of the group that won received a free Allegheny Tennis prize. It was a great time as always at the fair!

Coach Luteran lays out the ground rules and starts the clock!

Women's Tennis Nets ITA All-Academic Honors three honorees

MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) recognized Allegheny College as one of its ITA All-Academic teams for Division III women’s tennis for the 2009-10 academic year. In addition to the overall team academic award, three Gators were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.

Seniors Margaret Hodgkiss-Lillyand Lauren Kristofco, and junior Janna Dickerson took home individual honors for the Gators. For Dickerson and Kristofco, this is their second consecutive nod as ITA Scholar-Athletes.

"I am very proud of our women's team for this achievement and especially Lauren, Margaret, and Janna for their Scholar-Athlete awards,” said head coach Jared Luteran. “With a school as academically challenging as Allegheny, it is always impressive when our student-athletes can show this kind of success in the classroom while playing a varsity sport like tennis with two seasons."

The ITA All-Academic team award is given to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above (on a 4.00 scale). In order to make the ITA Scholar-Athlete team, a player must be a varsity letterwinner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale), and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

Recruiting at Girls' Midwest Open Championship

I just got back from Columbus, Indiana where I was recruiting at the Girls' 18 Midwest Open Championship. The picture above is taken from the Columbus visitor's website. Columbus is known for its architecture. Anyway, I saw some fantastic athletes and some really good matches. It was great to talk to so many parents and players and we hope to see you on campus soon for a visit!

~Coach Luteran

Recruiting Trip in Columbus Ohio

Stickney Tennis Center at The Ohio State University

Coach Riskie ventured to Columbus, Ohio May 28, to watch the elite players in the state participate in the 91st Annual Boys State Tennis Tournament. Despite the day getting off to a slow start with the weather, it was filled with a very high level of play and excitement. The rain did not deter the crowd as friends and family came out to cheer on their favorite players. All in all it was a great day for scouting future Gator Tennis players!

Our Seniors Are Now Alumni!

Meggie Oravec will be getting her Masters of Art in Environmental Policy at Drexel University.

Ben Hurtuk will be working as a mortgage banker for Quicken Loans in Cleveland, OH.

Evan Gordon will be working as the Athletic Director at Camp Seneca Lake in Penn Yan, NY with future plans to attend graduate school.

Seniors Dine with Coaches

Coach Luteran and Coach Riskie enjoyed a hearty meal with soon to be alumni Meggie Oravec, Evan Gordon, and Ben Hurtuk at Julian's Restaurant in downtown Meadville. Talk of future plans and past goodtimes dominated the conversation. Good luck seniors!

Kristofco Lands On All-NCAC Second Team; Longo An Honorable Mention

For the third consecutive year, Allegheny juniors Lauren Kristofco and Sara Longo were honored on the All-North Coast Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Team, which was released on Thursday.Kristofco received her third consecutive singles honor -- this time as a member of the All-NCAC Second Team. The accolade is the fifth award Kristofco has received from the NCAC. In both 2008 and 2009, she was on the All-NCAC First Team for singles play and Second Team for doubles.In 2009-10, Kristofco built a 6-16 record as Allegheny's top singles player. She was 1-2 in NCAC East Division play and 6-13 at No. 1 singles.Longo was named as an All-NCAC Honorable Mention -- her first conference singles honor. She teamed with Kristofco for All-NCAC Second Team doubles accolades in 2007 and 2008. During the '09-10 season, Longo went 9-15 with a 1-2 slate in the NCAC East and a 5-11 mark at second singles. She saw time at both second and third singles.The Gators finished with a 5-16 overall record, including going 1-2 in NCAC East action. They placed fourth in the conference.

Bonfiglio Selected To All-NCAC First Team; Hennessy, Provenzano Mentioned

Allegheny men's tennis player Alex Bonfiglio was named to the All-North Coast Athletic Conference First Team while teammates Max Hennessy and Mike Provenzano were honored with Honorable Mention status as announced by the league on Thursday.Bonfiglio, a junior, was the Gators' top singles player in 2009-10. He finished with an 11-10 singles record, including a 2-1 slate in NCAC East Division play and a 9-10 mark at first singles.Freshmen Hennessy and Provenzano also went 2-1 in NCAC East matches.Provenzano, who played at second and third singles, compiled a 15-9 record. He was 11-7 at second singles.Hennessy competed at third, fourth and fifth singles, seeing most of his time at third singles where he was 8-9. He finished with a 14-10 overall record.The Allegheny men had a 12-11 record during the season, finishing 2-1 in the NCAC East. They placed fourth at the conference championships.

Men's Team Helps Move Swingset

When a neighbor in the Meadville Hailwood development was ready to pass his swingset on to the family next door, it was time to summon the brute strength of the men's tennis team. Without hesitation the guys showed up ready and willing to carry the huge wooden swingset down the street to make two young boys very happy! Way to go guys!

Gordon, Hurtuk Celebrate Senior Day With Gator Win

4/24/2010
MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team celebrated Senior Day with an 8-1 victory over Oberlin (3-20, 0-3) in North Coast Athletic Conference East Division action at the Robertson Complex on Saturday.

Due to the threat of rain, the squads began their match with singles contests. Seniors Evan Gordon and Ben Hurtuk led the Gators (11-8, 2-0) to a sweep at fifth and sixth singles, respectively, clinching the team win before doubles play even began.

Gordon outlasted Sam Towne in his match, 6-4, 4-6, 10-8, while Hurtuk bested Peder Davis, 6-1, 6-0.

Alex Bonfiglio, Mike Provenzano, Max Hennessy and Jacob Allmaras also won singles matches for the Gators.

Bonfiglio won the No. 1 match against Ben Godlove, 6-2, 6-4. At second singles, Provenzano defeated Ben Turchin, 6-2, 6-1.

Hennessy won the third singles match against Eliot Heaton, 6-4, 6-2, and Allmaras handled Joe Leffler at No. 4 singles, 6-2, 6-2.

Allegheny also won two doubles matches. Hennessy and Provenzano teamed for an 8-5 win over Davis and Heaton at second doubles. Bonfiglio and Jordon were 8-4 winners versus Leffler and Towne at No. 3.

The Gators will be back in action on Sunday when they visit NCAC East foe Kenyon for a 2 p.m. start. The match will be Allegheny's final contest before the NCAC Tournament.

Lone Senior Oravec Wins Singles Match During Loss To Oberlin

4/24/2010
MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny senior Meggie Oravec won her Senior Day singles match, but the Gator women's tennis team suffered a 5-4 nail-biting loss to Oberlin in North Coast Athletic Conference East Division action on Saturday at the Robertson Complex.

In a match that began with the six singles contests, the Gators (4-13, 1-1) were behind 4-2 before heading into doubles play.

Allegheny's Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly and Deborah Landau snagged a 9-7 win at third doubles over Rebecca Brown and Julie Christensen. At second doubles, Janna Dickerson and Elyse Schmitt bested Preeya Shah and Brie White-Dzuro, 8-3, to pull the Gators into a 4-all tie.

The Gators' No. 1 doubles team -- Lauren Kristofco and Sara Longo -- fell in an exciting match to Finley Gates and Ariel Lewis, 9-8 (7-3).

In singles play, Landau and Oravec were winners at fifth and sixth singles, respectively. Landau defeated Brown, 6-3, 7-6 (9-7), while Oravec handled Emily Thebaut, 6-3, 6-3.

Kristofoco suffered a loss to a nationally-ranked Lewis. Lewis, No. 30 in NCAA Division III and fifth in the Central Region, won the first singles match, 6-2, 6-1 for Oberlin (11-8, 2-0).

The Gators will be back in action on Sunday when they visit NCAC East foe Kenyon for a 2 p.m. start. The match will be Allegheny's final contest before the NCAC Tournament.

USTA Campus Kids Day a Success!

Tennis Community,

I would like to thank everyone that helped to make the USTA Campus Kids Day a success yesterday. Our sports info staff did a great job getting our mascot out on the court and setting up the root beer float stand. Our event management staff helped get the free pizza set up and thanks to Andy Findlay from the USTA, Mark Vandewater from Gamma, and David Wahlgren from Wilson for providing some prizes to give away to the kids. Thanks to the USTA for the stipend and for the great idea! I would also like to thank the College of Wooster for their willingness to adjust their schedule and have to travel a little shorthanded due to class conflicts. The Wooster coaches and players did a great job making all the kids feel welcome. It was really neat watching the kids go out and shake hands with the players and coaches and then join the players in the team huddle. Even though we were forced to have it on a Thursday instead of Saturday (due to the weather) we still had a great turn out.

Here is a photo gallery of the day's activities.
http://www.alleghenysports.com/photo_gallery.aspx

Once you click on the link, then click on view all galleries, then click on Tennis Campus Kid's Day in the upper left corner, once you get to the pics then you can click on the white bar in the bottom left corner to scroll over to the right and see all 41 pictures.

Thanks again everyone!
Coach Luteran

AC Women Storm To 9-0 Victory Over Wooster

4/22/2010

Box Score | Photo Gallery

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny women's tennis team snapped an eight-match losing streak and won its North Coast Athletic Conference East Division opener with a 9-0 decision against Wooster (4-13, 0-3) at the Robertson Complex on Thursday.

The Gators (4-12, 1-0) did not lose a set. Lauren Kristofco and Sara Longo led the squad with wins at first and second singles, respectively. The pair also teamed for a win at first doubles.

At first singles, Kristofco bested Elissa Lauber, 6-0, 6-3. Longo defeated Ashley Stockwell, 6-2, 6-0. As the Gators' top doubles team, Kristofco and Longo swept Lauber and Kelsey Jenkins, 8-0.

Elyse Schmitt, Janna Dickerson, Deborah Landau and Meggie Oravec added singles wins for Allegheny.

Schmitt earned a 6-3, 6-2 decision against Brenna Hart at third singles and Dickerson defeated Boo Flynn, 6-4, 6-2, at fourth singles.

At fifth singles, Landau handled Jenkins, 6-1, 6-1, while Oravec beat Lauren Grimanis, 6-3, 6-2, at sixth singles.

Allegheny also had two other wins in doubles. Dickerson and Schmitt teamed for an 8-1 win over Flynn and Stockwell in the No. 2 doubles matchup. Landau and Margaret Hodgkiss-Lilly defeated Lauren Gilliss and Suzanne Hamby, 8-1, at third doubles.

The Gators will be in action next on Saturday with a noon match against NCAC East foe Oberlin.

Gator Men Break Out Brooms For Fourth Straight Win

4/22/2010

Box Score | Photo Gallery

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team claimed its fourth straight victory with a 9-0 sweep of Wooster (6-12, 1-2) in North Coast Athletic Conference East Division play at the Robertson Complex on Thursday.

The Gators (10-8, 1-0) jumped into the lead with three doubles victories. Max Hennessy and Mike Provenzano won the closest match at second doubles, earning a 9-7 decision against Steve Conroy and Matt Mandell.

At first doubles, Jacob Allmaras and Ben Hurtuk handled Ethan Arenstein and Sam Susanin, 8-4, while Alex Bonfiglio and Jonathan Jordan defeated David Greetham and Adam Muller, 8-1, at third doubles.

Bonfiglio, Provenzano, Hennessy, Allmaras, Jordan and Evan Gordon were winners for the Gators in singles action.

Bonfiglio rallied for a 3-6, 6-1, 10-3, over Mandell at first singles and Provenzano earned his win by default in the second singles match.

At third singles, Hennessy defeated Conroy, 7-5, 6-3, while Allmaras won the fourth singles match over Susanin, 6-2, 6-3. Jordan was victorious against Muller at fifth singles, 6-1, 6-1, and Gordon bested Greetham in the No. 6 match, 6-2, 6-2.

The Gators will be in action next on Saturday with a noon match against NCAC East foe Oberlin.

Gators Win Third Straight

#2 doubles team Max Hennessy & Mike Provenzano playing solid doubles.

4/16/2010
MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny men's tennis team stretched its winning streak to three on Friday with a 9-0 victory over Ohio Wesleyan at the David V. Wise Center.

The Gators (9-8) opened up the match by sweeping doubles play and then lost only one set at singles.

Alex Bonfiglio led the Blue and Gold at first singles, defeating the Battling Bishops' Brandon Luttinger, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). Max Hennessy and Jacob Allmaras were also straight-set winners. Hennessy was victorious at third singles against Max Razmakhin, 6-2, 6-1, while Allmaras earned a 6-1, 6-4 win over Matt Swain at fourth singles.

Jonathan Jordan won the day's longest match at fifth singles, handling Jake Kerosky, 3-6, 6-0, 10-6.

The Gators also claimed a pair of points in pro-set competition. At second singles, Mike Provenzano defeated Will Thieman, 8-4, and at sixth singles, Evan Gordon played to an 8-3 win over Ryan Leslie.

In doubles competition, Allmaras and Ben Hurtuk teamed for an 8-2 victory over Luttinger and Zach Weaver on the first team. At second doubles, Hennessy and Provenzano took down Leslie and Thieman, 8-3, while the third doubles match was won by Bonfiglio and Jordan -- 8-3 winners over Kerosky and Swaim.

Each Allegheny doubles team was a new combination. The Gators had been using a different set of three teams the entire spring and switched for the first time.

Allegheny will be in action next on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. when it opens North Coast Athletic Conference East Division play against Wooster.

Gator Men Rally For Victory Over Wabash

Jonathan Jordan clinches the match for the team with his win at #6 singles.

4/10/2010
GAMBIER, Ohio -- After it was swept in doubles play, the Allegheny men's tennis team rallied to win all but one singles match to claim a 5-4 victory over Wabash in its final match at the Great Lakes Colleges Association Tournament.

Alex Bonfiglio, Mike Provenzano, Max Hennessy, Jacob Allmaras and Jonathan Jordan were singles victors for the Gators; Bonfiglio, Hennessy and Jordan battled to three-set wins.

Down one set, Bonfiglio fought back for a 0-6, 7-6, 6-4 win against Zach Lowry at first singles. Provenzano defeated Peter Gunderman at second singles, 6-1, 7-5, while Hennessy outlasted Ricky Ritter at third singles, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

In fourth singles action, Allmaras handled Elliott Dewey, 6-2, 6-2. Jordan won the sixth singles match, coming behind for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 decision against Lewis Towne.

Gators Sweep Oberlin at GLCA Tournament

Mike Provenzano winds up to hit a forehand against Oberlin.

4/9/2010

GRANVILLE, Ohio -- The Gators (7-8) swept doubles play before Mike Provenzano and Jonathan Jordan snagged singles victories to clinch the Blue and Gold win against Oberlin (3-16). Provenzano defeated Joe Leffler at second singles, 6-2, 6-2. Jordan claimed his point at sixth singles against Sergio Sanchez, 6-1, 6-1.

In doubles competition, Max Hennessy and Ben Hurtuk defeated Ben Godlove and Eliot Heaten on the first tier, 8-2. Provenzano and Jordan handled Leffler and Sam Townie at second doubles, 8-3, while Jacob Allmaras and Alex Bonfiglio swept Sanchez and Peder Davis, 8-0, at thirds.

Men Defeat Grove City for Second Straight Time

The men's team took on Grove City tonight in a very cold match. It was the second time this year they faced Grove City and were winners both time by a score of 6-3. Grove City has won the PAC conference 18 years in a row. It was a good win for the Gators. Both men's and women's teams are back in action Wednesday, March 31 in Cleveland, Ohio against Case Western.

Warm Weather and Good Times

The Gator Tennis Team spent spring break in beautiful Hilton Head Island, SC. While staying at the Beach and Tennis Resort, the team was able to play some very competitive tennis and enjoy the advantages of beach front housing. Good times and great food were had by all as the team enjoyed some fine dining throughout the week. All in all, this trip was an experience that none of us should soon forget!