Lots of question marks for Chambersburg boys tennis

With a lot of inexperience coming up the ranks for Chambersburg's boys tennis team, the Trojans still have a lot of things left to figure out.

And with the season looming any day now, the year's biggest snowfall hasn't helped matters.

Chambersburg's season was set to begin Tuesday, but its season opener was postponed, making Friday's match at Lower Dauphin the first of the year for the Trojans.

"With only three days on the court, we don't yet know the player positions," Chambersburg coach Brad Hill said.

Junior Danny Muldowney is the lone returning starter, and he was a No. 2 doubles player last season.

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Sophomores Ryan Kemerer and Vincent Wijaya join the varsity ranks after playing JV last year, but the only senior on the squad is Carlos Vera.

"Most of the guys on our team are beginners; several of them played tennis for the first time last week," Hill said. "We need to make the most of our time during practice and matches to teach and develop the fundamentals - footwork, serve, ground strokes, volleys and overheads. I hope they can gain confidence in their ability to execute shots under match pressure."

As the only returning starter, Muldowney may see an added weight on his shoulders, as he's likely to move all the up to the No. 1 singles spot.

"We want him to improve his serve and backhand and come to the net at least 20 percent of points," Hill said. "He'll view every match as a learning opportunity, and learn to anticipate his opponent's next shot."

Like most Chambersburg sports, the Trojans face an uphill battle in the Mid Penn Commonwealth Division. They finished 1-5 in MPC action last year, with their only division win coming in the final match of the season, a 4-1 defeat of Central Dauphin East.

With tennis already having a shortened preseason schedule, winter storm Stella couldn't have come at a worse time.

"Battling the wind at Norlo Park, it is difficult to teach and practice tennis in such windy conditions," Hill said. "It's also been difficult making time for instructions and challenge matches."

That just means the start of the season comes with even more uncertainties than usual.

Trojans at a glance

Coach: Brad Hill, third year, 10-18 (.357)

Last year: 4-11 (1-5 Mid Penn Commonwealth Division)

Returning starter: Danny Muldowney (jr., No. 1 singles)

Other top players: Nathan Irving (so.), Ryan Kemerer (so.), Christian Madrigal (so.), Chris Neil (so.), Thomas Thrush (so.), Carlos Vera (sr.), Vincent Wijaya (so.), LeShan Wilkinsin (so.)

Season opener: Friday, at Lower Dauphin, 3 p.m.