THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505070195
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By KEVIN DOEPP, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
After only its third year of existence, the Norfolk State men's tennis team will be heading to the NCAA Division II National Championships at the University of California-Davis May 10.
On Saturday, the Spartans defeated Millersville, 5-1, in the regional finals.
Avi Kigel, the Spartans' No. 1 singles and doubles man, won his match, 6-0, 6-0, and teamed up with Merritt Johnson to win the doubles, 8-6.
``Since this is my first year, it feels great to able to go to nationals,'' Kigel said. ``If everyone plays to their ability out there we will have a good chance to win.''
``We are not at where I want to be right now,'' Spartans coach Nat Warren said. ``I want us to be the best in Division II.''
Since the program began in 1992-93 the Spartans have gradually improved.
``I have been able to find tennis players that are also good students,'' Warren said. ``They carry over that desire in the classroom to the tennis court.''
This season the Spartans have compiled a 23-7 record. Warren says he has molded his players so that they are an extension of him on the court.
``My philosophy is that you get out of it what you put into it,'' Warren said. ``You have to be disciplined both mentally and physically.''
The Spartans will find out Monday where they are seeded and who their opponent will be. by CNB