Bombers tennis team looking for repeat performance
Sayreville boys finished 22-3 last year, qualified for state tourney
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
The Sayreville High School boys tennis team has set its sights squarely on winning the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division crown this spring.

A year ago the Bombers went 22-3 overall, good enough for second place in the division behind JFK. Coach Mike Provenza's team also qualified for the NJSIAACentral Jersey Group IV tourney.

Provenza's team completely turned things around from the 10-13 mark it recorded two years ago, and there's plenty of reason for even more optimism this spring.

Sayreville's top player, Andrew Musyoka, is back for his senior year after posting an 18-5 mark a year ago. He took third place in the individual portion of the GMC Tournament and also qualified for the state tourney. Musyoka, who enters his fourth varsity campaign and third at first singles, is an excellent allaround player. He has an accurate serve and puts the ball away very well on his backhand.

The Bombers should be solid in the second slot as well, where Tanay Patel will play. The sophomore moves up from the third slot, where he also compiled an 18-5 mark. Patel has worked hard to improve his game, and his backhand is particularly effective, Provenza noted.

Meanwhile, freshman Amar Karki, who has been impressive in practices, will take over the third slot. The coach said Karki uses quickness and an excellent forehand as his primary weapons on the court.

Vaibhav Verma, a junior, moves from second to anchor the first doubles pairing, where he'll be teamed with sophomore Patrick Khaleel. Provenza said the two have complementary styles, with Verma using speed and finesse while Khaleel's game is built around a powerful serve and strong ground strokes.

Jay Patel, who combined with Jon Koffler for a 17-6 mark at first doubles a year ago, will hold down the second spot this spring along with newcomer Zill Christian. Patel's experience will be a key factor, Provenza said.

Two other players, senior Kevin Pangilinan and sophomore Nick Szamareta, will also see playing time as the season progresses.

"I think our team is pretty consistent up and down the lineup," Provenza said. "We're very strong at all five spots and we won't be giving any points away. Our guys are all going to be very tough to beat."

The Bombers were scheduled to host Monroe yesterday in their season-opener and will meet Colonia tomorrow. Provenza said his players were champing at the bit to get under way.

"We had a taste of success last year and our guys are hungry for more," he said. "They've all shown a lot of dedication in working to improve their games. They're ready."