During its previous two seasons, UCSD men’s tennis failed to advance past the regional round of the playoffs, but while Triton head coach Eric Steidlmayer and his team prepare for their 2003 season, which begins on Feb. 1, UCSD hopes that it can reach the national level of the postseason.
In 2002, the Tritons started the season 5-0 before finishing 10-10. The final disappointment was a 6-1 loss to Brigham Young University-Hawaii in the second round West Region playoffs.
“”All we want to do this year is get past that level and reach the nationals,”” Steidlmayer said.
The Tritons have an experienced team this year, with all six starting singles players returning this season from last year’s squad. Steidlmayer will look for Sameer Chopra, last year’s No. 1 singles player, and captain Mike Meyer, to do well for the team.
“”He’s had a very good couple of years,”” Steidlmayer said of Meyer. “”He’s our leader. Mike’s a big guy, and he’s had the most success over anyone here.””
Along with returning players, the Tritons will watch the development of freshmen Eric Oijala, Tommy Novak, Minh Tang and Brent Molden. On a team that has all of its returning starters, it will be difficult for Steidlmayer to find playing time for his young players, but he sees an upside for them.
“”All of them will play in the future,”” Steidlmayer said.
The Tritons have not yet set their doubles teams, and the team is “”still experimenting,”” according to Steidlmayer. UCSD will likely use a variety of combinations during the first part of the season, which will allow all of the players to work on their game. Steidlmayer wants to see each of his Tritons improve, and he hopes that will bring overall success to the men’s tennis team and maybe even a trip to nationals.
