Shaler tennis returns entire lineup

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, March 18, 2018 | 6:18 PM

Sam Bens spent the offseason eyeing an improvement for the Shaler boys tennis team. The sophomore No. 3 singles player led the team in singles' victories last year.

With the Titans returning all of their lineup from last season, Bens will have another season in the third spot, giving him an opportunity to move up next season.

“I'd like to play a lot of opponents and more challenging opponents,” Bens said. “I want to prepare myself for next year. I've been practicing a lot more in the offseason to get my swing better and get myself in tennis shape. It will be easier for me coming into the season.”

Bens got off on the right foot when Shaler opened the season with a victory over Gateway last week. The Titans were 1-1, following a loss to Hampton last Thursday.

“His brother played for me, and he came out for last year at No. 3 and won the most matches at the single position,” Shaler coach Brian Duermeyer said of Bens. “Since everyone is back, we can play him at No. 3 again. It's nice to have the same lineup we had last year with a year of maturity and growth.”

Shaler, which played North Hills on Monday in a match too late for this edition, is hoping continuity will lead to success in Section 3-AAA.

The Titans, who have six seniors, are led by experienced players in the top two spots. Senior Jake Jashinski is returning at No. 1 singles.

“His game is up right now,” Duermeyer said. “I expect him to have a competitive match on Monday. He's very reliable and athletic kid. You can see how much he's jumped in two years. When we have a senior on the court, it changes everything.”

Senior Tanner Bradford is the team's No. 2 singles player.

Matt Potock and Joe Soranno will be Shaler's top doubles team, and Luke Grunden and Zach Sarnowski will play second doubles. Duermeyer expects Shaler's doubles pairs to be competitive.

Bens hopes the Titans will find a way to flourish as individuals and as a team. Shaler hopes to steal a spot in the team playoffs.

The Titans are in a section with Allderdice, Baldwin, Central Catholic, Fox Chapel, Plum, Shady Side Academy and Woodland Hills.

“I think we have a good group of guys, and we have experience under our belts,” Bens said. “This year, we can only do better than we did last year.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Shaler