Aug. 5, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - With a veteran lineup, including all six starters back in the fold, the 2004-05 season was expected to be a record-setting year for the Saint Joseph's men's tennis team. Nagging injuries would derail the team's bid for a first-ever Atlantic 10 title, but behind the play of seniors Francisco Velazquez and Van Homer Pangilinan the team still mustered a sixth place finish at the league championship and posted a solid 9-10 record against a highly competitive schedule that featured many of the East's top teams and tournaments.

The most decorated player in school history, Velazquez capped his record setting-career by garnering All-A-10 honors for the fourth straight season. The only SJU player to be honored more than once, the four-year starter at #1 singles and doubles finished as the Hawks' career leader in both singles (64) and doubles (67) victories.

As a senior, Velazquez finished 12-22 in singles play, but was at his best in doubles where he paired with junior A.J. Garabedian to post a 24-13 mark. The duo won the "A" Flight at the Swarthmore Invitational, reached the final of the Princeton Invite and advanced to the Round of 16 at the ITA Championships in the fall. They also went to the Round of 16 in the back draw at the Pacific Coast Double Tournament.

Pangilinan also concluded an impressive career. He finished second all-time with 59 singles and 58 doubles victories. As a senior he had the most success teaming with junior Chris Spencer in doubles, where the duo paired to go 12-10 primarily at #2 and #3.

In addition to their doubles prowess, Garabedian and Spencer placed among the team's leaders in singles victories. Spencer finished with a team-best 17-10 record, including a 9-3 mark at #5, the second highest total from the spot in program history. He also bested Pangilinan in the "C" Flight final at the Swarthmore Invitational. Garabedian was third on the team with 14 wins, going 9-8 at #3 singles, and advanced to the "B" Flight consolation final at the Princton Invite.

Two other juniors, Antonio Aniello and Jimmy Holland, played through nagging injuries and provided SJU with depth throughout the lineup. The unselfish Aniello took turns at #2 through #5 singles and finished second on the team with a 16 wins. In doubles, he found himself paired with four different partners during the year, mustering a 15-14 mark. Holland got off to a strong start, but would be slowed by a severe back injury. He still held down the #2 singles and doubles spots when healthy. Both fared well individually and pairing together in doubles at the ITA Championships.

While injuries deterred the team's bid for a first-ever A-10 title, the team continued to display growth against a constantly improving schedule. Despite the departure of Velazquez and Pangilinan with the core of the lineup returning the future looks bright for the Hawk netters.