Pearl River Boys Tennis Returns Experienced Team

The Pearl River boys tennis team lost its top singles player, all-league performer Jeremy Rosen, to illness, but the Pirates return plenty of depth this season.

Returning all-league choices Neil Francis, a senior,  and junior Sam Berry lead the way along with junior Brendan McIntyre as Pearl River opens its season 4 p.m. today at home against North Rockland.  The Pirates boast a veteran squad featuring ten players who have competed at the varsity level for three years.

Coach Joan Smith thinks that her team can better last season’s 3-5 mark in League B competition (Albertus Magnus, Nanuet, Nyack, Pearl River, Tappan Zee). 

“I am hopeful that with all the depth in our lineup, we can improve to an above .500 record," Smith said. "I think that we will be strongest in doubles competition, but we will certainly miss Jeremy.  It would greatly help our chances if we could get him back sometime this season.”

“The backbone of our team should be in doubles with Neil (Francis), Brendan McIntyre, Kevin Malley, James Fabio and Brendan Rogers.  But also look for some strong play from Raj Rao , James Murphy, Jared Schlosser and newcomer Joe Howard."

Nyack is the defending League B champion, but not the only contender for Pearl River to deal with.

“It looks like the strongest teams in League B will be Nyack and Nanuet, but our guys have worked hard and often stayed long after practice to improve their games," Smith said. "Beyond our regular schedule of matches, we are really looking forward to the Pearl River Tournament on April 29 and 30 (which includes all the League B teams and East Ramapo).  And, as always, the League B Tournament at Pearl River on May 10 and 11.”

“The backbone of our team should be in doubles with Neil, Brendan McIntyre, Kevin Malley (SR), James Fabio (SR) and Brendan Rogers (SR).  But also look for some strong play from Raj Rao (JR), James Murphy (SR), Jared Schlosser (JR) and newcomer Joe Howard (SR).

Smith expects that a roster full of juniors and seniors will pay off.

 “My philosophy is to teach all the strokes and develop skilled well-rounded players, but proper stroke selection comes only with maturity and that is why we are so happy to see so many boys coming into our program” Smith said.

PEARL RIVER BOYS TENNIS ROSTER

Seniors

Michael Coleman

James Fabio

Neil Francis

Matthew Greco

Joe Howard

Michael Kelly

Kevin Malley

James Murphy

Martin O’Neill

Brendan Rogers

Juniors

Sam Berry

Brendan McIntyre

Rajat Rao

Jared Schlosser

Sophomore

Cuyler Chiang

Freshman

Yash Bhagat

SCHEDULE

3/28     North Rockland                        4 PM

3/30     @ Clarkstown South                4 PM

4/1       Clarkstown North                     4 PM

4/4       @ Suffern                                    4 PM

4/6       @ East Ramapo                       4 PM

4/8       @ Albertus Magnus               4 PM

4/11     Tappan Zee                               4 PM

4/13     @ Nyack                                   4 PM

4/15     Nanuet                                      4 PM

4/27     Albertus Magnus                  4 PM

4/29     Pearl River Tournament      3:30 PM

4/30     Pearl River Tournament     8 AM

5/2       Nyack (Sr. Recognition)      4 PM

5/3       @ Tappan Zee                         4 PM

5/4       @ Nanuet                                 4 PM

5/10     League B Tournament

5/11     League B Tournament