THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — An experienced group of players return to the courts for Cal Lutheran's men's tennis team that feature just 10 student-athletes, eight returners and two transfers, for the 2018 campaign that is set to get underway Feb. 13.
The 10 man roster is comprised of four seniors, five juniors, and one sophomore. Everyone saw some sort of action last spring and the tight-knit group will continue to improve and compete throughout the course of the season.
Leading the way back to the courts this season is 2017 Second Team All-SCIAC Ransom Braaten who competed at No. 1 and 2 singles. He compiled nine single wins in his first season at Cal Lutheran, including a six-game win streak to conclude the 2017 season.
The seniors are comprised of Dara Kashani, Joshua Legardy, Lucas Tilly and Andrew Tufenkian. Legardy competed at No. 3 doubles with partner Tufenkian and earned two wins, including a victory against conference foe Whittier.
Tilly returns for his fourth and final season after competing in No. 4 and 5 singles over the duration of the 2017 season. He accumulated four single wins, including two against Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) opponents. Tilly, like Legardy, competed in No. 3 doubles with fellow senior Tufenkian.
After a year of hiatus in 2016, Tufenkian returned to the Cal Lutheran program and competed in No. 5 and 6 singles in the 2017 season. He defeated six opponents in the No. 6 singles spot and accumulated six wins in No. 2 and 3 in doubles.
Returners in the junior class include Braaten, Kylel Gillam and Michael Sulahian. Gillam made his debut at Redlands and competed in one singles and one doubles match last season. Sulahian competed at No. 4 and 5 singles, accumulating four singles wins – two of those wins against SCIAC opponents. He also competed in No. 3 doubles with popular partner, Tufenkian.
Bringing experience, junior transfers Yahn Gawrit and Florent Auteil are new for the Violet and Gold, but are looking forward to jumping right in and making an immediate impact.
Rounding out the roster is the solo sophomore, Sebastian Ariza who made his CLU debut at Cerritos College last season. He garnered four singles wins along with a win at No. 3 doubles with former tennis player Austin Wong.
The first opportunity for the Kingsmen to regain their rhythm will be a non-conference meeting with Westmont on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m.
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Release by Nicki Tetherow, Assistant Sports Information Director
