Despite falling short of a Southern Conference Victory, men’s tennis still managed to produce a memorable 2012 season. This year’s team won more matches than any in ASU history.

The top six singles players all recorded double digit victories for the season, led by junior Steve Karendal with 17.

The team also earned a No. 3 seed, its highest seed ever in the SoCon Tournament.

“We feel we underachieved,” senior Alain Humblet said. “But we had one of the best showings for App tennis and definitely left our mark on the season.”

Humblet is one of three seniors who will graduate this year. He’s joined by Alex Markov and Philip Kloc. The three combined for 40 wins last year and all were named to the all-Southern Conference second team for doubles.

“Obviously, it’s a big deal losing them,” Coach Bob Lake said. “I’ve been with those guys three and four years, so it will be tough. But we have eight players returning next year and a top-100 player from Georgia coming in. We are going to be really deep.”

Among the eight returning players expected to make an impact next year is sophomore Matt Saltsgaver, the only Mountaineer to earn second team all-conference honors for singles players.

“The goal next year is to be just as good as this year,” Saltsgaver said. “We gained a lot of respect this year, and we just want to continue from there.”

The 15 wins the team accumulated this year are a tie for the most wins under Lake, but the team wants to build from there.

“I’ve had 15 wins three of the past four seasons,” Coach Lake said. “I’d really like to get over that hump next season.”

Story: JORDAN DAVIS, Intern Sports Reporter