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MATCH SUMMARIES

TIGERS WIN REMATCH WITH RIVAL RAMS, 4-1

by Dom Gliozzi

In an important Section 2 contest at home, the Tigers won the second round of their season matches with neighboring Pine-Richland, 4-1.  In each of the Tigers’ four points, the wins came in straight sets.  Setting the pace at #2 doubles were Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra, beating Sam Riley and Brian Beck, 6-2, 6-2.  The second point came courtesy of #2 singles, with Chris Lippiello downing Mike Matthews 6-4, 6-2.  The clinching third and fourth points came in quick succession.  Steve Klein and Will Suhrie defeated Brad Foster and Bryan Whalen 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 at #1 doubles , while #3 singles were craftily taken care of by Bennett Salvatora, dispatching Ji-Ho Park 6-4, 6-4.  Andrew Marczak saw himself locked in an epic struggle at #1 singles against Bas Van Lent, bowing 6-4, 4-6, 5-7 in a 2 hour, forty minute contest.

The win improved the Tigers’ season record to 9-1, with a 7-1 section mark. The Tigers take on the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils Wednesday afternoon in a non-section exhibition at home, with match time scheduled for 3:30 PM.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 4  PINE-RICHLAND - 1

Singles

#1 Bas Van Lent (PR) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 4-6, 6-4, 7-5
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Mike Matthews (PR) 6-4, 6-2
#3 Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Ji-Ho Park (PR) 6-4, 6-4

Doubles

#1 Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) def. Brad Foster/Bryan Whalen (PR) 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
#2 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Sam Riley/Brian Beck (PR) 6-2, 6-2

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MARCZAK FALLS IN QUARTERFINALS AT
WPIAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP

by Dom Gliozzi

On Monday afternoon at Keystone Oaks High School, Section 2 runner-up Andrew Marczak took on Section 1 runner-up Anthony Nemanic of Hempfield in the preliminary round of the WPIAL AAA Singles Championship.  Marczak jumped out to a 7-0 lead and cruised to a 10-2 win.  In the quarterfinal round, Marczak was pitted against Section 5 champion, Sid Sathi, of Chartiers Valley.  Sathi took an early lead and never let go, defeating Marczak 10-2.  Congratulations to Andrew for representing North Allegheny in his first venture into WPIAL Singles Championship competition.

The Tiger team will host section rival Pine-Richland this afternoon at the Senior High courts in a match that was rescheduled from last week.  Match time is scheduled for 3:30 pm.

WPIAL AAA Singles Championship Results

Preliminary Round
Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Anthony Nemanic (Hempfield) 10-2

Quarterfinal Round
Sid Sathi (Chartiers Valley) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 10-2

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TIGERS TOPPLE TITANS, 5-0, AS SECOND HALF BEGINS

by Dom Gliozzi

The Tigers Tennis Squad traveled to Shaler Wednesday afternoon to resume play for the second half of the season, coming home with a 5-0 win.  The Tigers won each match in straight sets, led by Andrew Marczak at #1 singles, Chris Lippiello at #2 singles and Phil Krassenstein at #3 singles.   The doubles tandems of Will Suhrie/Alex Lapiana and Jake Sample/Cesar Parra also swept.

With the win, the Tigers improved to 6-1 in section, 8-1 overall.  Next on the schedule for the Tigers are the Foxes of Fox Chapel, on the road for Thursday afternoon with a start time of 3:30.  This non-section exhibition will be a re-match of last year’s WPIAL championship match.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 5  SHALER - 0

SINGLES

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Matt Nires (Shaler) 6-0, 6-1
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Stephen Kimpel (Shaler) 6-0, 6-0
#3 Phil Krassenstein (NA) def. Brandon McNeill (Shaler) 6-0, 6-0

DOUBLES

#1 Will Suhrie/Alex Lapiana (NA) def. Zach Taylor/Mike Titterington (Shaler) 6-1, 6-1
#2 Jake Sample/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Trevor Allen/Jake Raible (Shaler) 6-0, 6-0

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MARCZAK TAKES SECOND PLACE IN SECTION 2 SINGLES

by Dom Gliozzi

In a well-contested match that saw both players struggle to hold their serves for long stretches, North Allegheny senior Andrew Marczak took the runner-up slot in WPIAL AAA Section 2 Singles Tournament on Tuesday.  The indoor match at Oxford Athletic Club took slightly over 2 ½ hours to complete, and when finished, Evan Kowalski of Butler prevailed 6-7 (1-7), 7-5 and 6-2.  Marczak’s placement among the top two singles players in the section locks up a slot for him in the WPIAL Singles Tournament, scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.  Details will be forthcoming from the WPIAL on both starting times and location. 

 Congratulations to Andrew for his stirring demonstration of excellence and sportsmanship in this competition!

WPIAL AAA Section 2 Singles Tournament

Championship Match
Evan Kowalski (Butler) def. Andrew Marczak (NA) 6-7 (1-7), 7-5, 6-2

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MARCZAK ADVANCES TO FINAL OF
SECTION SINGLES TOURNAMENT

On the first day of the AAA Section 2 Singles Tournament, held at the NASH courts, the two Tiger entries advanced against their section rivals during some exciting action that ended with a major upset.  NA sophomore Chris Lippiello defeated Seneca Valley’s Troy Abbott 10-2 in the preliminary round.  NA senior Andrew Marczak had a bye in that round as a result of being the overall number 2 seed in the tournament.  In the quarterfinal round, Marczak defeated Alex Evans of North Hills, 10-0.  Lippiello put up a valiant fight against Bas Van Lent of Pine-Richland, also in the quarterfinals, before bowing 10-6.   In the semi-final round the Ram-Tiger match-up continued, with a different result.  Marczak defeated Van Lent 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the finals against Evan Kowalski of Butler, who upset the tournament’s number #1 seed in the semi-final, Butler teammate Matt Slamecka, in a 3 set match.

The Section 2 championship match between Marczak and Kowalski will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM at the Oxford Athletic Club.  Congratulations to Andrew and Chris for their outstanding representation of the Tigers’ tennis program!

WPIAL SECTION 2 SINGLES TOURNAMENT 
Preliminary
Andrew Marczak, NA (Bye)
Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Troy Abbott (SV) 10-2

Quarterfinal
Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Alex Evans (NH) 10-0
Bas Van Lent (PR) def. Chris Lippiello (NA) 10-6

Semi-Final
Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Bas Van Lent (PR) 6-1, 6-4

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TIGERS BEAT INDIANS, 5-0, IN SECTION 2 ACTION ON THE ROAD

by Dom Gliozzi

Braving football-like weather conditions, the Tigers and Indians renewed their rivalry on the tennis courts of North Hills, where the Tigers prevailed 5-0 Friday afternoon.   Senior Andrew Marczak defeated Alex Evans at #1 singles.  Sophomore Chris Lippiello beat Sam Uhler at #2 singles, and sophomore Will Suhrie secured the edge over Phil Custer at #3 singles.

In #1 doubles play, junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra defeated the brother team of Connor Wink and Jared Wink.  Rounding out the proceedings, juniors Jake Sample and Mike Palmeri took the #2 doubles match over Andy Petrell and Ivan Wooten.

The Tigers completed the first half of the season with an overall record of 7-1, including a 5-1 section mark.  On Monday, Andrew Marczak and Chris Lippiello will represent North Allegheny in the Section 2 Singles Tournament.  Play begins at 12:30 PM, with all the action unfolding at the NASH courts.  The Tigers return to team play next Wednesday, on the road against Shaler.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5  NORTH HILLS - 0

SINGLES

#1 Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Alex Evans (NH) 6-1, 6-3
#2 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Sam Uhler (NH) 6-3, 6-0
#3 Will Suhrie (NA) def. Phil Custer (NH) 6-0, 6-0

DOUBLES

#1 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Connor Wink/Jared Wink 6-2, 6-1
#2 Jake Sample/Mike Palmeri (NA) def. Andy Petrell/Ivan Wooten 6-2, 6-4

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TIGERS RIP THE RAIDERS, 4-1

by Dom Gliozzi

Using another revamped lineup and carrying only 7 squad members into the match, the Tigers re-convened Section 2 play at the NASH courts Wednesday afternoon by beating Seneca Valley, 4-1.  Sophomore Will Suhrie kicked off the proceedings with a quick blanking of Steve Muti, 6-0, 6-0 at #3 singles.  Junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra dispatched Joe Shults and Lee Chandler at #1 doubles in quick order, 6-1, 6-0.  At #2 singles, sophomore Chris Lippiello then picked up the clinching point, handling Troy Abbott 6-2, 6-2. 

From his familiar #1 singles position, senior Andrew Marczak beat Andrew Wilson handily, 6-3, 6-2 to earn the Tigers’ fourth point.  Junior Jake Sample and sophomore Anish Manocha made their varsity debuts, fighting valiantly but falling in a three set marathon to Matt Hochberg and Mayank Prashar at #2 doubles.

The Tigers improved their overall record to 6-1, including a 4-1 section record.  They travel to North Hills on Friday to take on the Indians, with match time scheduled for 3:30 PM.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 4  SENECA VALLEY - 1

Singles

#1  Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Andrew Wilson (SV) 6-3, 6-0
#2  Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Troy Abbott (SV) 6-2, 6-2
#3  Will Suhrie (NA) def. Steve Muti  (SV) 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

#1 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Joe Shults/Lee Chandler (SV) 6-1, 6-0
#2  Matt Hochberg/Mayank Parashar (SV) def. Jake Sample/Anish Manocha (NA) 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3

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TIGERS OUTRACE THE PANTHERS, 4-1

by Dom Gliozzi

Using their speed and outstanding shot selection, the Tigers traveled to Murrysville to tangle with the Section 1 Franklin Regional Panthers in a non-section contest Tuesday afternoon and took a 4-1 victory.  In an annual exhibition between the friendly rivals, North Allegheny got off to a fast start as Bennett Salvatora crushed Zach Vallo at #3 singles, 6-0, 6-0.  Chris Lippiello followed in short order with another dominating performance, cruising past Michael Fabian 6-1, 6-0.   

Andrew Marczak gained the winning point at #1 singles as he ran Osman Khwaja down 6-4, 6-3 with his punishing forehand.  The 4^th point came courtesy of the #2 doubles tandem of Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra who ground out a 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 win over Nathan Accornevo and David Arisumi.

The win raised the Tigers’ record to 5-1, as they resume section play Wednesday afternoon at home against the Seneca Valley Raiders.  Match time is set for 3:30 PM.

Photo Gallery

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY – 4  FRANKLIN REGIONAL - 1

SINGLES

#1  Andrew Marczak (NA) def. Osman Khwaja (FR) 6-4, 6-3
#2  Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Michael Fabian (FR) 6-1, 6-0
#3  Bennett Salvatora (NA) def. Zach Vallo (FR) 6-0, 6-0

DOUBLES

#1  Kevin Ly/Justin Carter (FR) def. Steve Klein/Will Suhrie (NA) 6-2, 6-3
#2  Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Nathan Accornevo/David Arisumi (FR) 6-3, 4-6, 7-5

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TIGERS VANQUISH VIKINGS, 5-0

By Dom Gliozzi

Using  a patchwork lineup due to illness, injury and spring break vacations, the Tigers still swept Central Catholic 5-0 Wednesday afternoon at the Schenley Park Oval Courts.  Missing three starters and one reserve, the eight remaining squad members used their depth to secure the victory.  With the Cathedral of Learning looming in the background,  Chris Lippiello manned the #1 singles slot for the first time this season and defeated Adam Neidig, 6-2, 6-0. 

Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra, teaming at #1 doubles, overwhelmed Kevin Frankola and Nick Latterner 6-0, 6-0.   Making their varsity debut at #2 doubles, junior Mike Palmeri and freshman Kevin Zhu clinched the match, 6-0, 6-3 over Dave Hickton and Doug Hamilton.  Will Suhrie, playing #2 singles and Phil Krassenstein at #3 singles each captured three set matches to maintain the shutout.  Suhrie bested Kevin Whalofskey 6-2, 1-6 and 6-4 while Krassenstein defeated Graham Sider 6-2, 5-7 and 6-0.  In a total team effort, the Tigers moved their overall record to 4-1 and improved their section record to 3-1. 

After a well deserved break, they travel next Tuesday to take on the Franklin Regional Panthers for a non-section contest, with match time scheduled for 4 PM.

Singles

#1 Chris Lippiello (NA) def. Adam Neidig (Cent.) 6-2, 6-0
#2  Will Suhrie (NA) def. Kevin Whalofskey (Cent.) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
#3  Phil Krassenstein (NA) def. Graham Sider (Cent.) 6-2, 5-7, 6-0

Doubles

#1 Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Kevin Frankola/Nick Latterner (Cent.) 6-0, 6-0
#2  Mike Palmeri/Kevin Zhu (NA) def. Dave Hickton/Doug Hamilton (Cent.) 6-0, 6-3

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TIGERS BOW TO BUTLER, 4-1,FOR FIRST LOSS

by Dom Gliozzi

In a match where the score was not indicative of the competitive play, the Tigers lost their first contest of the season to the Butler Golden Tornado at the Oxford Athletic Club.  Playing indoors due to threatening weather, the Tigers played host to a Section 2 thriller that actually came down to the wire.  After falling down two points early, the NA squad rallied to put the match into question by winning at number two doubles.  The #2 doubles team of Alex Lapiana and Cesar Parra came from behind and bested Kemper May and Zac Cavaliero in a see-saw three set match, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, to move NA to a 1-2 deficit.  Simultaneously, Andrew Marczak and Bennett Salvatora extended their matches at #1 and #3 singles respectively to three set thrillers (including three tie breaks) that eventually fell in favor of Butler for the final margin.  Fine efforts were also turned in by Chris Lippiello at #2 singles and Will Suhrie/Phil Krassenstein at #1 doubles.

The Tigers’ record falls to 3-1 overall, 2-1 in section play.  They travel to Central Catholic on Wednesday to take on the Vikings at the Schenley Park Courts, with match time starting at 3:30.

Singles

#1  Matt Slamecka (B) def. Andrew Marczak (NA)  6-1, 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-4)
#2  Will Nesbitt (B) def. Chris Lippiellio (NA)  6-1, 7-5
#3  Zac McCafferty (B) def. Bennett Salvatora (NA) 7-6 (7-5), 0-6, 6-4
Doubles
#1  Evan Kowalski/Stefan Kemp (B) def. Will Suhrie/Phil Krassenstein (NA) 6-2, 6-2
#2  Alex Lapiana/Cesar Parra (NA) def. Kemper May/Zac Cavaliero (B) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3

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TIGERS TAME TALBOTS, 5-0, FOR
THIRD STRAIGHT WIN

by Dom Gliozzi

In a rare Varsity/JV doubleheader on the NASH courts, both Tiger tennis teams defeated their Hampton opponents in non-section play on a crisp Friday afternoon.  The varsity swept Hampton 5-0, with each match being decided in straight sets.  Andrew Marczak beat Brad Cisek 6-0, 6-1 at number one singles.  Chris Lippiello defeated Sean Malone 6-1, 6-0 at number two singles, and Steve Klein, playing his first singles match of the year, dispatched Aiden Wright 6-1, 6-2 from the number three slot.  The first doubles tandem of Will Suhrie and Alex Lapiana prevailed over Nate Steel and Mike Pfefferty-Gilot, 7-5 and 6-1.  Playing his first varsity match, Phil Krassenstein teamed with Cesar Parra at number two doubles to tackle Brenden Balint and Mike Lochner, 6-3, 6-1. 

 The JV squad also took on a challenge from the Talbots, earning a hard fought 3-2 victory over Hampton.  Winners at number two and number three singles respectively were Connor Goodman and Steve Taylor.  The number two doubles team of Kevin Liu and Zach Phillips clinched the match with an exciting three set victory.  Good performances were also turned in by Isaac Vance at number one singles along with Charles Thompson and Andrew Radick at number one doubles.  Congratulations to Coach Angela Marczak and the JV team!

 The Varsity squad improved its record to 3-0 on the young season.  They resume Section 2 play on Monday, hosting Butler in a key early season match-up, starting at 3:30.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5  HAMPTON - 0

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TIGERS, PETERS TOWNSHIP MATCH INTERRUPTED BY RAIN

by Dom Gliozzi

The Tigers traveled to Peters Township to take on the Indians in a non-section contest of great interest to both teams on Thursday afternoon.  Play was underway and most matches were approximately at the halfway mark before heavy rain interrupted the proceedings.  No Individual match was completed when play was halted.  If schedules permit, NA and Peters Township will arrange a return visit by the Tigers, with play to resume at the point of Thursday's interruption.

The Tigers take on Hampton Friday afternoon in another non-section match-up, this one being a Varsity/JV doubleheader beginning at 3:30.

Photo Gallery

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TIGERS TOPPLE RIVAL RAMS, 4-1 TO
IMPROVE TO 2-0 ON THE SEASON

by Dom Gliozzi

On a short excursion to neighboring Pine-Richland, the Tigers methodically put together a solid mix of consistent play combined with comeback heroics to beat the Rams, 4-1 on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. senior Andrew Marczak dominated Bas Van Lent 6-1, 6-3 at number one singles to set the early pace.  Number three singles saw a remarkable two set win by junior Bennett Salvatora.  After taking Mike Matthews 6-2 in the first set and going down set point at 1-5 in the second, Salvatora roared back to seize six consecutive games, winning 7-5 and securing the second team point of the day in an extraordinary comeback!  

The first doubles tandem of sophomores Steve Klein and Will Suhrie bounced back after a troublesome first set to defeat Brad Foster and Brad Whelan 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to gain the third and decisive point for the Tigers.  The second doubles duo of junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra used three sets to tame Brett O’Donnell and Brian Beck, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.  Sophomore Chris Lippiello played a valiant match at number two singles before succumbing to Ji-Ho Park, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6.  The Tigers have started the season 2-0, with both wins coming in section play.  They travel to Peters Township on Thursday afternoon to take on the Section 5 Indians in a non-section contest, starting at 3:30 PM. 

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4  PINE-RICHLAND - 1

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TIGERS SWEEP SHALER, 5-0, IN SECTION OPENER

by Dom Gliozzi

The defending PIAA and WPIAL Champion Tigers  opened their regular season in fine fashion on the NASH courts Monday afternoon, defeating Section 2 opponent Shaler Titans, 5-0.  Senior Andrew Marczak overpowered Steve Kimpel 6-1, 6-1 in number one singles.  Also at 6-1, 6-1, sophomore Chris Lippiello conquered Zach Taylor in number two singles.  In third singles, junior Bennett Salvatora dispatched Matt Nites 6-0, 6-1. 

Doubles were equally dominating, as the sophomore tandem of Steve Klein and Will Suhrie tamed Mike Titterington and Pat Kubica 6-1, 6-0.  Not to be outdone, junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra stopped Trevor Allen and Brandon McNeill, 6-0, 6-0. 

The Tigers continue section play as they travel to Pine-Richland on Wednesday to take on their Section 2 rival, the Rams, at 3:30 PM.

MATCH SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5  SHALER - 0

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TIGERS COMPLETE EXHIBITION SEASON WITH 3-2
COMEBACK WIN AGAINST MT. LEBANON

by Dom Gliozzi

The Tigers slipped into the South Hills Thursday to take on Mt. Lebanon  for the final scrimmage of the tennis pre-season schedule and out  slugged the Blue Devils 3-2 for their second exhibition win.  At third  singles, junior Bennett Salvatora dispatched his opponent 6-2, 6-2 to  take the first point of the match.  Junior Alex Lapiana and senior Cesar Parra  fought valiantly at first doubles but fell in  straight sets.  Junior Chris Lippiello, at second singles, split his  first two sets but had to retire in the third due to a leg injury.  Down 2-1 at this point, the Tigers' second doubles team of sophomores Steve Klein and Will Suhrie battled in a marathon, taking their opponents in three sets, 6-0, 1-6, 6-2.  With the match tied, senior Andrew Marczak played an epic number one singles match against his senior counterpart, Mt. Lebanon's Julian Pearlman.  The monumental battle took 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete and was filled with outstanding shot selections and come-from-behind dramatics.  Clinching the exciting victory for the Tigers, Marczak prevailed 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5) against Pearlman.

The Tigers open defense of the their Class AAA WPIAL and PIAA titles on Monday as they take on the Shaler Titans in a Section 2 match at home, starting at 3:30 PM.

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TIGERS OPEN EXHIBITION SEASON WITH 4-1
WIN OVER SEWICKLEY ACADEMY

The Tigers Varsity Tennis squad began their 2010 exhibition season on  the road by taking on the defending WPIAL AA Champions, Sewickley  Academy, and cruising to a 4-1 victory.  Sweeping the three singles  matches were senior Andrew Marczak, sophomore Chris Lippiello and junior Bennett Salvatora.  Marczak's match was extended to three sets  (6-1, 5-7 and 6-2) while Lippiello (6-3, 6-3) and Salvatora (6-2, 6-3)  each swept in two sets.  Rounding out the 4th point was the first  doubles team of sophomores Steve Klein and Will Suhrie who were  able to grind out a thrilling three set match, 6-1, 4-6 and 7-5. 

The Tigers conclude the exhibition season this Thursday as they travel south  to take on the Blue Devils of Mt. Lebanon, with match time set for 3:30 PM.

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MARCZAK COMMITS TO DENISON UNIVERSITY

Senior Andrew Marczak has committed to Denison University (Granville, Ohio) where he will play tennis for the Big Red, a Division III school.  He was recruited by, and will play for head coach Peter Burling.  The Denison's men's team was ranked 22nd nationally in 2009 among Division III schools.

Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org