UTICA, NY – The Utica College men's tennis team is scheduled to kick-off its 2019 season this weekend, as it travels to face Empire 8 opponents Nazareth College and St. John Fisher. Friday's match is set to begin at 4 p.m. with Saturday's starting at 1 p.m.
 
Returning Home Sunday: After opening up the season on the road, Friday and Saturday, the team will be back at home to host Oswego for its first home match of the year on Sunday. The home competition is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m.
 
Senior Returners: Last season the Pioneers finished with an overall mark of 0-10 and went 0-8 in Empire 8 competition. UC is looking to step it up this year with a solid core, led by returning seniors Paul Litvak (Brooklyn, NY/Abraham Lincoln) and Garrett Bortiatynski (Rome, NY/Holland Patent).
 
Guess Who's Back: Utica College is getting a lot of returners back from last year including guys such as sophomore Joshua Palmer (Southington, CT/Wilcox Technical) who contributed to a big win in doubles competition against Sage in 2018. Another part of the returning squad is junior Christian Carman (Westwood, NJ/Westwood) who is also aiming to improve his play this season.
 
Incoming Class: The 2019 freshman class has come in bulk this season with several new players being inserted into the lineup. The freshmen this season includes Ethan Trembley (Schenectady, NY/), Joe Shirley (Sackets Harbor, NY/Sackets Harbor), LJ Nuzzo (Peru, NY/Peru Central), and Austin McGrain (Pittsford, NY/). Utica has also added graduate student Matt Zbytniewski (Newport, NY/) to the roster.

Nigro's Tenure: Head Coach John Nigro is entering his 32 season as the leader of the Utica College tennis program. Starting at UC back in 1987, Nigro has the longest coaching tenure at the school.
 
Looking Ahead: The Pioneers are home again next Wednesday on April 3^rd for another non-conference matchup. UC will host SUNY Delhi for a 4 p.m. start.