The Paul VI boys tennis team has struggled somewhat this season. The Panthers, coached by Craig Tutt and Ellen Horan, currently have an overall record of 4-8. They have defeated McNamara and St. Mary's Ryken (twice each).

"Right now we're pretty much in the middle of the pack of the WCAC Conference," said Tutt.

The young Panthers are led by two seniors, two juniors and three sophomores. Third-year varsity senior Kevin Repper (singles #1) ranks high in all-time wins at PVI.

Senior Ryan Aldrich (singles #6), junior Jonny Ong (singles #2), junior Brad McNiff (singles #4), sophomore John Ritzert (singles #3) and sophomore Greg Pesce (singles #5) comprise the Panthers starting "singles" lineup.

McNiff currently leads the young Panthers with an overall season record
of 6-6.

"Playing the net is the best part of my game. My serve has been pretty good. A lot of my game has been the mental focus. With all of the tough competition in the WCAC, I feel that I have definitely earned my 6-6 record this season," said McNiff.

Repper and Ong follow next in win percentage. Both weigh in at one match under .500.

"I'm a little disappointed with my overall record. At the beginning of the season, I was in somewhat of a slump. Things however have picked up lately. At the WCAC Championships, I need to move my feet and I need to do the best that I can possibly do," said Repper.

"Compared to things last season, we have definitely improved this year. We practiced in the off-season at Fairfax Racquet Club. We have all been
more consistent this season," said Ong.

Exact doubles records aren't known as of this writing, but Repper/Ritzert
comprise the doubles #1 team; Ong/McNiff comprise the doubles #2 team and
Aldrich/sophomore Ryan Eu comprise the doubles #3 team.

Ong and McNiff lead the Panthers’ effort with a .500 record thus far. "We are good as partners," said Ong. "We know what each other can do. We do our best to encourage one another."

"We are going to need a really good first day (quarterfinals) at the WCAC
Tennis Championships (May 4). Maybe some of our guys can pull some matches out. We've got some young guys on this team. Hopefully they are going to work hard during the off-season and turn in a good season next year," said Tutt.

All three diocesan team will travel to College Park, Md., May 4-6 for the 2004 WCAC Tennis Championships.