TENNIS ADDS FOUR
12/17/2008 8:00:00 AM | Men's Track
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- California Baptist University head tennis coach Chris Taylor has announced the addition of four new athletes for the upcoming 2009 season.
“Entering their third season, the men have laid a foundation for success as they have steadily climbed up the ranks of NAIA tennis,” said Taylor. “I am very proud of where we have come in such a short time, and hopefully these four will help us take the next step.”
Saad Benkirane, Freshman, Casablanca, Morocco
Though born in Washington, D.C., Benkirane grew up in Morocco and was ranked No. 1 in the 18-under division of the Moroccan Tennis Federation. He was also ranked as high as No. 181 on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit, making a trio of quarterfinal appearances. He also won doubles at the 2007 RUC International Junior Open.
“Saad has been unyielding in expressing his determination to be an impact player for the men's team,” said Taylor. “His work ethic is outstanding, and I look forward to see how far it will take him.”
Martin Vaisse, Freshman, Marseille, France
Vaisse also comes in as a freshman with four years of eligibility. He was a top-ranked junior player in France.
“We will look for Martin to bring needed depth to the team,” said Taylor. “He is very strong off the ground and very aggressive. We are excited to see how those skills will translate into success at CBU.”
Lucas Pereira, Freshman, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Joining fellow countrymen Alessandro Ventre and Carlos Cirne-Lima at CBU, Pereira was ranked No. 18 on the junior circuit of the Brazilian Tennis Federation.
“Lucas has shown to be an all-around equipped player, whom I expect to have an immediate impact this season,” said Taylor.
Gabor Toth, Freshman, Budapest, Hungary
Toth was ranked No. 12 on the junior circuit of the Hungarian Tennis Federation.
“Gabor has proved to be of outstanding character,” said Taylor. “He has a powerful game with many weapons, and I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish.”
These four join fellow freshmen Andy Botsch, a top-ranked junior from Arizona, Rekhi Little, a top-ranked junior from Florida, and Oliver Andrzjczuk, a freshman from Poland, each of whom enrolled at CBU in the fall. Andrzjczuk teamed with Cirne-Lima to finish third at the ITA Small College National Championships in the fall.
“Both Andy and Rekhi are talented Americans who will add some much needed depth to the team as we continue to pursue a tradition of success,” said Taylor.
CBU is coming off its finest season in program history. The Lancers finished 16-6 overall, finished the season ranked No. 5 in the NAIA and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Tournament in its first-ever trip. The Lancers return their top two players and All-Americans Ventre and Cirne-Lima.
