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ALTOONA -- When it comes to men's tennis, there's one big thing to cross off the agenda and for Penn State Altoona it's reaching another level of success.
According to head coach Megan Stern, it's important for the Lions to add to their trophy case by winning their seventh conference title next season.
"The goal for this season as a team is to win the AMCC Championship. Individually, I’d like each player to improve their match play both technically and tactically and enhance their mental toughness," Stern said. "We have a lot of incoming freshmen and newcomers. I’d really like for the team to bond right away and get to know each other before our matches begin as I believe that will help us become more successful overall."
PSU Altoona last won the AMCC in 2006.
Stern added that a good litmus test for PSU Altoona next year is when they battle one of their sister campuses and a team that beat them in the AMCC Championship this past spring.
"Penn State-Behrend, they’ve had a solid team and we lost to them in the championship match the last two seasons," Stern noted.
The Lions did finish with a 13-5 record last year with a 6-2 mark in conference play.
What are some keys for the Lions to improve going forward?
"We will rely on some of our returners for leadership and guidance. Especially junior Casey Hess, who has had a lot of success in his first two seasons at PSU-Altoona and is a natural leader both on and off the court," Stern explained. "We also have multiple incoming freshmen who had great success in high school and competed at a high level. I’m excited to add their skill sets to the team."
Stern also took time to break down what some of her players bring to the tennis courts.
"Hess broke the single-season singles record last season and is a solid singles player, primarily at the No. 2 position. He’s also a reliable doubles player and played at the No. 1 position last season with partner Joey Toth. His athleticism has helped him succeed the last two seasons," Stern said. "Sophomore Nick Beard had a very successful freshman year. He’s a solid singles player and has great hands at the net in doubles. He primarily played No. 3 singles during his freshman season."
Emmett Hibbs also brings experience to the forefront of the Lions' winning efforts. The sophomore won nine of his 13 matches between March 19 through April 15.
"Emmett was very successful in his freshman campaign at PSU Altoona. He set the single-season record for most doubles wins and also had success at the No. 4 singles position," Stern stated.
Who are some underclassmen we should watch out for?
"We have multiple incoming freshmen that I look to make an immediate impact on our team; especially Jackson Newell, Will Grot, Andrew Chronister and Kadyn Carey," Stern noted.
Stern has been the Lions' head coach since Jan. 2019. How does she keep practices fresh? How has her coaching style changed over the years?
"I like to focus on both technical and tactical skills during practice. I watch the players during match play and try to figure out what needs worked on in practice for the next match. We do drills as well as match play with teammates during practices," Stern said. "We also talk about strategies and how to set points up to win. We work a lot on doubles, especially poaching at the net. That being said, practices are also fun and a time to bond with teammates and grow as a team."
Stern wants to send a message to PSU Altoona fans.
"Please come and support Penn State Altoona tennis. Cheer us on. WE ARE."
The Lions face Juniata College to open their men's tennis season next spring, according to the AMCC website.