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Baylor men's tennis prepares for season opening doubleheader

Baylor men's tennis prepares for season opening doubleheader
Posted at 9:44 PM, Jan 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-16 22:44:05-05

When you hire a coach with four national titles on his resume like Brian Boland, there are going to be a lot of expectations on your program.

"I'm excited to be back in the college game. [My family] has fallen in love with Waco," said Boland, who after winning 4 titles in 5 years at the University of Virginia, served as head of men's tennis for the U.S. Tennis Association.

Boland took over a Baylor team that was perennially in the top 15, returned seven letterwinners, and featured the number three ranked duo in the nation. That wasn't going to stop him from adding to it.

"The depth we have on this team is special. We've brought in four new players since my arrival and they've all already shown signs that they're going to be able to contribute and have an immediate impact."

Boland isn't the only one who feels that way. Jimmy Bendeck -- a senior who is also part of that 3rd ranked duo -- echoed his coach's sentiments.

"As a senior, we want to be giving them an example, but in reality they've come to practice and been an example for us even," started Bendeck, "Because, they're excited. They're excited to be in college. They're excited to play tennis and be in the college environment and they come out to work every day. It's been really impressive."

Impressive enough to top last year's NCAA tournament team? Fans will get their first look Friday at 2 p.m. against Prairie View A&M.

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