LEWISTON, Maine -- Looking forward to its first dual-match competition since last spring's NESCAC Championship Tournament, the 2023-24 edition of the Bates College men's tennis program is hoping to build from that experience. The journey begins this Thursday in Lakeland, Fla. with a 3:00 p.m. match at Florida Southern College.

The team came in ready," said head coach Paul Gastonguay '89, who has been at the helm of the Bates tennis program since 2001. "They have been really diligent, getting after the weights, and playing tennis every day. We had the luxury of starting practice on Feb. 5 this year, so I feel we are more prepared for this trip (Florida) than we ever have been. There is a huge difference between playing on our fast courts, with no wind, in Merrill Gym vs. getting outside. It's so important to get these reps and acclimated to the weather. Because of the elements, there are just way more nuances to the outdoor game."

Anchoring the No.1 doubles tandem will be senior Alexander Gujarathi (Plymouth, Mass.) and sophomore Theo Sardain (Dedham, Mass.). Gujarathi is coming off an All-NESCAC campaign as both he and former partner, Cam Davis-Kania '24, earned second team honors in doubles play a year ago.

Gujarathi will also be a force in singles play as he garnered a record of 12-12 (including victories in seven of his final 11 matches) as a junior.

"They are both super strong and athletic, and have a big doubles game," said Gastonguay. "I saw some really great stuff from Theo this fall. And Alex has been at the top of the lineup his whole career and is a really dynamic player."

Seniors Matthew Danielson (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Nicky Desai (Hopkinton, Mass.) are expected to fill the No. 2 slot on the doubles roster. 

"They are an amazing team," added Gastonguay.  "Our guys play a really good brand of doubles. They know what to do in different situational plays, so it really doesn't matter who their partner is because they know how to play off each other and create together."

Danielson, like Gujarathi, saw plenty of action in singles competition a year ago, matching his teammate with a 12-12 record. 

Senior Crosby Byrnes (New York, N.Y.) and junior Ben Adey (Falmouth, Maine) are both expected to see some time together in tandem play. "Crosby and Ben have been working very hard and are playing well together. They are both very athletic."

Youth will play a major factor for the Bobcats as they sport five first-year players on its roster, highlighted by Phillippe Kosyagin (Las Vegas, Nev.) and Nico Ozer (New York, N.Y.).  Kosyagin and Ozer have height on their side as each stands in the 6'5" range. "They each have monster serves," said Gastonguay.

 Danielson, Desai, and Gujarathi will serve as team captains this season as the trio looks to provide invaluable leadership to the newcomers.

"Alex, Matthew, and Nicky have just been amazing. They are very selfless and they set the tone for the team and don't put themselves ahead of anyone else."

Overall, all of the returners have served as a positive influence to the new corps of talent. "They are so willing to help the younger players, and show them how to transition into this elite conference (NESCAC), where we play tough matches day in and day out. That takes a special type of discipline, which is something this group shows every day on and off the court." 

"It is really fun to have a group of new, young, enthusiastic athletes, who are being molded by some of the best athletes and people I've ever been around. The opportunities are there for each and every one of them."