After a 2018 season of newcomers, surprises and success, this year's Cyclone squad is better prepared and ready to play with their sights set on a national berth.

Last year, the Cyclones had two new coaches—Head Coach Steve Yates and Assistant Coach Mike Maratea—and only one returner. Despite the unknowns, they were able to play a solid season (8-1 overall) that yielded one loss to the conference champions and a narrow trip to nationals. This season, the top two players are back along with two sophomores and a slew of recruits. Plus, the coaches have a better handle on their competition.

"Now Steve and I know what the competition is like—high level. We can match up better. And now other teams know about us," Maratea said. "This year we have more depth with eight solid guys. We can qualify for nationals. That's the carrot. They know it's feasible."

The top two players from last year—Nick Karczynski (Andrew) and Alex Kokoszka (Shepard)—lost a third-set tiebreaker at No. 1 doubles that would have sent them to nationals. That redemption will be their motivation. They are back along with a few newcomers competing for the top singles spots—Seth Yaeger (Lockport) and David Souza (Eisenhower). Returners John McGuire (Andrew) and Sean McKernan (Andrew) and freshmen Tim Flynn (Marist) and Mateusz Marusarz (Oak Lawn) round out this crew.

Most of the Cyclones knew each other from high school tennis. Because of that, the chemistry of the team is already solid. With more conditioning added to their training regime, these guys are ready to face tough competition and go far. Their opening match is at home, Wed., March 27, 2:45 p.m., against Illinois Valley Community College.