Bulldogs team looking to get back to the .500 mark
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

METUCHEN - The borough high school boys tennis team entered this week's action at 1-3 on the season with the cutoff date for qualification in the state tournament just around the corner.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs will have to get their record to at least .500 without the services of No. 1 singles player Jeff Victor. Victor has been sidelined since the start of the season due to transfer rules.

"We've struggled a bit in the early going," Metuchen head coach Rob Strauss said. "We've definitely improved and we do have a couple matches scheduled prior to the cutoff date in which we should do well."

The Bulldogs will look to rebound from a recent 3-2 loss to Spotswood when they compete in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament this week. Tournament action gets under way today at 9 a.m. at Middlesex Community College.

Against Spotswood, the team picked up both of its wins at doubles with the duo of Brian Frowenfeld and Bryan Mulligan winning 6-1 and 6-3 at No. 1 doubles. Frowenfeld and Mulligan are currently 2-1.

"When Jeff enters the lineup at No. 1 singles, Brian and Bryan will move to No. 2 doubles," Strauss said. "The fact that they've been winning at No. 1 singles shows some of our depth."

Alex Storts and Nick Roberts teamed up for the first time this season to pick up the other win at No. 2 doubles in a 4-6, 6-2 and 6-2 match.

"It's been tough to get guys accustomed to playing with one another because of all the lineup changes," Strauss said. "I thought Alex and Nick did a really nice job to come from behind to win their match."

When Victor takes to court for the first time May 2, Storts will partner up with Alex Adamowsky at No. 1 doubles. Adamowsky has been giving the time quality matches at No. 3 singles in the interim.

"Adam was a bit of a role player last year, but he's really come along this season," Strauss said. "He's been playing so hard and I think his time at singles has been a great learning experience for him. We're lucky to have him for a couple more seasons."

Another Bulldog that has been forced to play out of position is Danny Gross. Gross has assumed the No. 1 singles role until Victor takes the court.

"Danny has gotten better with each match and he's lost a lot of close matches," Strauss said. "I think when he moves to No. 2 singles, he will have gained some confidence. If he continues to play the way he has at No. 1, he will be very successful."

Although the Bulldogs will not have a seeded player in this year's county tournament, Strauss and company are looking for some Metuchen players to surprise some people this week.

"It's always nice to compete in the GMC Tournament," Strauss said. "It gives our guys a chance to see some of the top players in the county and it's a good time to build our team chemistry."

Prior to the opening round of the tournament, Metuchen took on South Amboy earlier in the week. In the previous meeting between the two schools, the Bulldogs won 4-1.

"We're anxious to play some of the teams that beat us in 3-2 matches," Strauss said. "The guys will be looking to exact some revenge."