Tennis-playing Pioneers have revenge on their minds
By Ken Powers Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - Talk about uncharted waters. For the first time in Ed Hippert's eight years as coach, a mention of the St. John's tennis team isn't preceded by the words defending Division 1 champions.

"It's a little diff erent this year because of that, sure," Hippert said. "But it's good, too. It's really given these kids a sense of purpose. One of each player's goals coming into the season was to do his part to help put us back where they feel we belong, which is at the top of the Central Mass. heap."

That spot is currently held by neighbor and rival Westborough High, which defeated the Pioneers three times last season en route to a berth in the Division 1 state final. Westborough also won the first meeting of the teams this year, 3-2, the only blemish on St. John's record through nine games.

"We're second fiddle to Westborough right now," Hippert said, "but that's okay. They've beaten us on the court the last four times we've played. But we're getting better as the season progresses and I like our chances to pay them back before it's all over."

St. John's was scheduled to travel to Westborough for the second meeting of the teams this season April 29, but Hippert thought heavy rains would cause the match to be postponed.

The majority of the Pioneers on last year's 16-5 team, which lost to Westborough in the Central Mass. final, has returned.

Leading the way is senior Dan Johnson, the two-time defending Central Mass. Individual Singles Tournament Champion. St. John's No. 2 singles player this year is stylish left-hander Dan Rider, who is sliding into the spot vacated by the graduation of Mayur Kasetty.

Johnson and Rider serve as co-captains for the Pioneers.

Junior Chris Bannon, the Pioneers' No. 3 singles player, is a player Hippert said "improves by leaps and bounds," every time he plays.

Seniors Joe Centola and Pat Dumas play No. 1 singles for St. John's for the third year in a row, while junior Mike Breen and sophomore Jack O'Day are slotted in at No. 2 doubles.

Traditionally, numbers are never a problem with the Pioneers and this year is no exception. There are 32 players in the program and Hippert carries half on varsity. Other seniors on the squad are Andrew Smith, Andrew Neilan and Demetri Bayrouty.

James Cunningham adds an interesting twist to the team. An ambidextrous player, the junior serves left-handed but plays all other facets of the game right-handed.

Hippert is also carrying five freshmen on the team, players he believes will figure prominently in the Pioneers' future. They are Jon Bannon, Chris's younger brother, Parth Amin, Nick Massarelli, Cameron Lewis and Erun Fernando.

"We may not be the defending Central Mass. champions, but I really like this team," Hippert said. "I like the chemistry, the work ethic, the leadership. I really think these guys are going to be heard from before we're finished playing tennis in Central Mass. this season."