Houghton Looks to Repeat as Empire 8 Champions as 2024 Men's Tennis Season Gets Under Way

2024 Empire 8 Players to Watch (sorted alphabetically)
 

Tyler Hernandez, St. John Fisher, Fr. Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park - Hernandez is expected to make an immediate impact in the Cardinals lineup this season and play near the top of the lineup.

Pierre Ntonga, Nazareth, So. New York, NY/Democracy Prep Charter - Ntonga returns after earning All-Empire 8 second team honors in singles last season. He will compete in number two singles and one and two doubles this season. 

Mike Roberts, Alfred, Jr. Alfred Station, NY/Alfred-Almond - Roberts, a two-time E8 player to watch, will be at the first singles position this season. He is expected to lead the way for the Saxons.

Levi Webb, Houghton, Sr. Houghton, NY/Fillmore - Webb returns after earning back-to-back All-Empire 8 first team selections for singles and doubles. He went 8-5 overall in singles with a 5-1 conference record in 2023.
 

Team Capsules (Sorted by 2023 Standings)
 

Houghton
Houghton will look to win its second consecutive Empire 8 title and third overall in 2024. The Highlanders had a 15-7 overall record in 2023 and finished unbeaten in conference play. Houghton returns five players including three starters for the 2024 season, including All-E8 first team members Levi Webb and Micah Schilke, along with second team selection Noah Zach. Newcomer Preston Tobolski will look to step right in and make an immediate impact. Houghton Director of Athletics, Dr. Matthew Webb, will take the reins as the Interim Head Coach for the season. He previously served as head coach in 2018, finishing with an 11-5 overall record and 7-1 record in league play, while earning Coach of the Year honors.

Nazareth
The Golden Flyers will attempt to win its second Empire 8 title in the last three seasons and make its fourth straight E8 Championship match appearance in 2024. Sophomore Pierre Ntonga, a 2023 All-E8 second team selection, will be returning to lead the way for Nazareth this season. Fellow All-Empire 8 second team selections Dominic Vito and Isiah McMurray will also be back on the court this season. Junior Noah Britton will also be a key returner for the Golden Flyers.

St. John Fisher
St. John Fisher will look to improve on last season's third place finish, as they have placed third in the regular season standings in each of the last nine seasons. Senior Jake Anthony returns after earning All-Empire 8 first team accolades in both 2022 and 2023. All-E8 second team selection Will Chubb along with Anthony Molosag will also be returning for the Cardinals. Newcomer Tyler Hernandez will look to make an immedate impact for the Cardinals in 2024, as they try to win their first league title.

Alfred
The Saxons are looking to make a postseason run in 2024, as junior Mike Roberts is expected to be a leader at first position singles and doubles. Matthew Bittel and Walker Waldon are also key returners for the Saxons. With five starters returning and the additions of newcomers Breece Erickson ad Nick Flemmer, Alfred is poised to make a run towards a league title.


Final 2023 Empire 8 Men's Tennis Standings
Houghton (15-7, 8-0 E8) - League Champions
Nazareth (11-5, 6-2 E8)
St. John Fisher (5-9, 4-4 E8)
Utica (2-10, 1-7 E8)
Alfred (4-11, 1-7, E8)


ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com and YouTube
 
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram