BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer
Brookdale Community College’s men’s tennis team may not be all the way back, but they have rebounded strong enough to be a player in this weekend’s Region XIX Tournament.
The Blues may not be the juggernaut they once were, nor are they an afterthought. Coach Rich Karpinski knows his team isn’t the favorite to win the Region title they once owned, but he has a team with momentum that, with the right matchups, could pull off an upset at Mercer County College.
The Blues, who last year saw their five-year, 50-match win streak ended by Ocean, have been fighting to get back to the top rung they enjoyed during the streak. A 7-3 record in dual meets this spring is a sign that they are headed in the right direction, but what coach Karpinski likes the most about his ’06 Blues is how much better they are playing with each match.
“I have a great group of hard workers who keep on improving every day,” said Karpinski. “We’ve improved dramatically.”
Back in early April, the Blues provided an indication of their potential down in Harsford, Md., at the National Invitational Tournament. The event featured the best teams from the Northeast, and Brookdale finished fourth. The Blues had three finalists in the singles competition – Tom Powers (Howell, Christian Brothers Academy) at first singles, Steve Alberino (Monroe) at second singles, and Pete Wilkins (Keansburg) at sixth singles.
Since that early April tournament, the team has steadily been getting better.
Powers, a solid all-around player who can win points off his serve, from the baseline or attacking at the net, has remained the team’s ace. He’s a freshman with a bright future.
“He’s every dedicated,” said Karpinski.
Dave Rosenblum (West Long Branch) has played his way to the No. 2 singles slot with Alberino (Monroe) now at three. Both are very good at keeping the ball in play and making their opponent beat them.
Brandon Breza (Howell), a sophomore, was a Region finalist in ’05 and is playing better that he did last year. He’s certainly a contender this weekend.
Billy Donnevig (Raritan), also a sophomore, is 8-2 in Region.
Wilkins (Keansburg) has a very good shot at being a Region champion. The freshman is undefeated (10-0) against Region competition.
Wilkins and his teammate, Pete Monroy, have turned into a very cohesive doubles team in the No. 3 slot and could also win.
Powers and Rosenblum are the No. 1 doubles combo for Brookdale, and Breza and Alberino are at No. 2. Breza and Rosenblum have only recently become a team, and they are 4-1. They could pull off a win in Mercer.
Defending champion Bergen, Gloucester and host Mercer, along with Brookdale, are the four contenders this weekend.
“Everyone has the potential to win it,” said Karpinski.
Whether the Blues win this weekend or not, after a total rebuilding season in ’05, they are happy to be back among the Region’s best teams. And with the team’s youth, just being there is a good sign that the Blues are a power once more.