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Inexperienced Trojans bring energy for tennis


All but one of Chambersburg's starters on the boys tennis team this season is a senior.

But don't let their age foul you. The Trojans may be dealing with a bit of inexperience this season, but they're full of energy nonetheless.

Monday officially kicks off the spring season at Chambersburg when it hosts Mifflin County at its new home of Norlo Park in Fayetteville. The Trojans, who finished 6-7 a year ago, return just two starters, both of whom are taking on tough tasks.

Chambersburg coach Brad Hill said, "Our expectation is to work hard, have fun and do the best that we can with an inexperienced team."

Jay Padalia, who saw success at No. 3 singles last year, is making the jump to lead the team at No. 1 singles. In the Mid Penn Commonwealth Division, that's not an easy burden to face.

"My goals are to have fun and win as many games as I can," Padalia said. "I'm not sure how No. 1 will play out (in the division) because it changes, but I'm sure it will be pretty difficult. Last year, I was No. 3 singles and I did pretty well there, but the competition is a lot tougher going from three to one."

Also returning is Naushair Hussain. While the No. 2 singles spot was still up in the air as late as Friday afternoon, Hussain will definitely be making a change by jumping from doubles to playing as an individual.

"Naushair is a great player," Hill said. "He moves well, and is a good all-court player, so I think he'll do well at No. 2 or No. 3."

Rounding out the singles spots will be Andrew Mooney, a senior who played on the JV team a season ago.

"He'll probably be playing third singles, and I think he'll do great for us," Padalia said. "He put in a lot of work this offseason. He was at Bill (Wissinger's) clinic with me every day."

The No. 1 doubles team will consist of twin brothers Aaron Muldowney and Josh Muldowney, while younger brother Danny Muldowney will team up with Ben Grove at No. 2 doubles. Danny is the only sophomore on the starting lineup.

Chambersburg will also be up against a relocation. The Trojans will now play their home matches at Norlo Park, which is less shaded from the elements than their former home of Memorial Park.

"It's a lot different; our mentality changes because there are a lot of factors at play here," Padalia said. "The wind is a factor, the noise and the sun. We were also used to playing (at Memorial Park) for the past three years, but I think here we'll have the home court advantage because other teams won't be used to these conditions either."

Trojans at a glance

Coach: Brad Hill, second year.

Last year: 6-7 (3-3 Mid Penn Commonwealth Division)

Returning starters: Jay Padalia (sr., No. 1 singles), Naushair Hussain (sr., singles)

Other top players: Andrew Mooney (sr., singles), Aaron Muldowney (sr., No. 1 doubles), Josh Muldowney (sr., No. 1 doubles), Ben Grove (sr., No. 2 doubles), Danny Muldowney (so., No. 2 doubles)

Season opener: Monday, at home vs. Mifflin County, 3:30. Home matches are now played at Norlo Park in Fayetteville.