Wyoming Area returns five starters from a team that went .500 a year ago and advanced to the District 2 Class 2A boys tennis playoffs.
The Warriors were in position to return six out of seven starters from a squad that finished fourth out of seven teams in the Wyoming Valley Conference Class 2A Division, but number-one singles player Justin Alder moved out of state.
Coach Bill Roberts said his three singles players established themselves in the preseason, but he went into a Friday scrimmage uncertain of the order, which could change after the team opens its season with two WVC matches this week.
Mike Remley, last year’s number-two singles player, will likely start out in the top spot. Nick Perry may remain in the third position he held last year. Nick Warunek may go from on the roster, but not in the lineup, to second singles.
All three are seniors.
“All three of my singles players are equally matched,” Roberts said. “I’m not sure where to place them.”
The number-one doubles team remains intact in what could be an all-senior lineup.
Michael Abromavage and Jake Butwin won a first-round District 2 doubles match together last season.
“They had a great year last year,” Roberts said. “Hopefully, they do just as well this year.”
Patrick Musinski needs a new partner at second doubles. Either fellow senior Michael Amato or sophomore Adam Wisnewski are the most likely to fill that spot.
Junior Neal Wanko, who is recovering from an injury, also eventually could be a factor in the lineup.
The roster continues to grow with 15 players, including eight seniors and six juniors.
Josh Carlson is the team’s other senior.
PITTSTON AREA
The Patriots suffered heavy graduation losses from a team that won the WVC Class 3A Division and advanced to the District 2-4 Class 3A Subregional team tournament semifinals with a playoff victory.
Pittston Area graduated all the players who posted wins in the Subregional tournaments in singles, doubles or the team matches.
The Patriots went 7-3 in the league in their first season under coach John Connors.
Pittston Area also opens its season Wednesday and plays its second match Friday.
