2020 Men's Tennis Preview

SALEM, Mass. -- Salem State looks to make their third straight trip to the Little East Conference Championship for the first time in school history. The Vikings and LEC rival UMASS Boston have split the last two conference titles and a third consecutive showdown appears to be looming. Second-year head coach Ken Hodgkins, who led Salem State to a 9-5 record and 6-1 conference mark in his inaugural season, lost only one starter from last year's runner-up squad.  

2020 Outlook

The departure of former captain and All-LEC singles and doubles player Chen Chen (8-5, 5-1) will have an impact this season, but the team's goals remain intact, to win the conference and return to the NCAA Tournament.

Junior co-captain Andrew Muttiah (8-3, 5-1), the former Little East Player and Rookie of the Year, and two-time first team selection will solidify the number one spot again for Salem State. The unquestioned team leader, he will be counted on to mentor the younger players while his experieince will help prepare his teammates to be successful at the collegiate level. 

Two-time All-LEC selections Roni Bazile, and Mitchell Dyer will man the second and third singles spots for the Vikings. The two players combined for a 15-6 mark last year and a 10-2 conference record. Both players are skilled and are formidable threats every time they take the court.   

Senior co-captain Noah Hodgkins (5-5, 3-3) returns to the heart of the lineup. Hodgkins a four-year player adds veteran leadership and depth. 

Cory Cherico from (Winthrop, Mass,) a first year player will be expected to break into the lineup at some point this year. A former Northeast Conference All Star from Winthrop High School, he will be in the mix, along with sophomores Johnson Ngandjui and Moses Ba to compete for starting bids at fourth through sixth singles.

Coach's Take

"This team is ready to fight for another conference championship this year. The league continues to get stronger, but with the addition of a great player from the high school ranks, along with major development from the rest of our roster, we should be right back in the title hunt."     

First Match

Salem State opens their season at Curry on March 21.