Sept. 17, 2001

Optimism abounds on the Hilltop as USF prepares for the 2001-2002 men's tennis campaign. The USF Dons return their entire roster from last season's breakthrough squad, minus two players lost ot graduation, Brad White and Dustin Hall.

This year's team looks to be the most talented team the Hilltop has seen in two decades and will look to capitalize on the already positive momentum from the previous season. This years recruiting class is excellent and should make an immediate impact on a team already boasting some formidable talent and experience.

Three new players look to blend with the solid core of returners for head coach Peter Bartlett. Competition should be fierce in practice, which will only make regular season matches more competitive.

Jon Lippert who is a transfer from Saddleback Junior College. Lippert was the #3 ranked doubles player in the state in Junior College and the #23 ranked singles player. Axel Elvik from Oslo Norway was the #17 ranked junior in the country. Pablo Pires de Almeida from Fairfax, CA is the one of the top ranked junior in Northern California and carries the highest ranking in the nation out of any player in Northern California.

Each one of the new recruits will make an immediate impact on the Dons tennis team. Along with an already experienced team of five seniors, the Dons are looking for a very exciting season.