HOLY CROSS
Head coach: Ryan Mulhern (5th season)
2016 record: 12-3, NVL runner-up
Key players: Daniel Huang (Jr., capt., singles)
Coach’s take: “After losing 13 seniors, wewill need our returning and yuonger players to step up to compete with the rest of the league.”
NAUGATUCK
Head Coach: Anthony Mariano (2nd season)
2016 record: 9-6
Key players: Peter Morrissey (Sr. capt.), Marco Rebelo (Sr.), Matthew Triscritti (Sr.), Jared Montini (So.), Michael Rivera (So.).
Coach’s take: “This is a young group that will continue to improve as the season progresses. They are individuals that possess a will to win and hold everyone accountable. We’re returning five out of six starters from last year’s team. Balanced group that is up for the challenge of competing at the top of the league.”
SACRED HEART
Head coach: Chris Ortiz (9th season, 59-82)
2016 record: 8-7
Key players: David Kulla (Sr.), Klediol Kaso (Jr.).
Coach’s take: “We’re anticipating a competitive season.”
TORRINGTON
Head coach: Mark Moulton (8th season)
2016 record: 13-2, NVL semifinalist
Key players: Scott Dixon (capt.), Ryan Nader (capt.), Billy Weber (capt.)
Coach’s take: “I’m expecting a great season. We lost only one significant player from last year’s team, so my expectations are high for this group of players. Some of the key players include Scott Dixon who was my No. 1 player last year, going 10-5. Billy Weber and Kevin Dixon, both with solid games, will be battling for the No. 2 and No. 3. Ryan Nader and Will Elmendorf will most likely be challenging for the number four and five positions. Number six will also be a real fight, and may change with our system of challenge matches. Some of the players vying for that spot will be Luke Wassik, Richard Zheng, Kyle White, Brandon and Brett Stater, David Teti, and Brendan Cisowski.”
WATERTOWN
Head coach: Eric Miller (15th season)
2016 record: 8-8 (7-8 NVL)
Key players: Sagan Butwell (Sr., capt., All-NVL, singles), Matthew Beres (Jr.), Jeton Sadiku (Jr.), Casey Butwell (So.), Jack Ryan (So.).
Coach’s take: “We have a really small team, only seven players. Five out of six starters are returning players. We have to avoid injury because we do not have any depth, one sub. Our goal is win 50% of our matches and return to Class M States as a team.”
WOLCOTT
Head coach: Steve Jasulavic (18th season)
2016 record: 19-0, NVL champion
Key players: Matt Spina (Sr.), Matt Mastropietro (Sr.), Jackson Yost (Sr.), Alex Hale (Jr.)
Coach’s take: “We lost a few starters to graduation so we have some holes to fill. We are hoping we can remain competitive in league play … I think Torrington will be very good with Watertown right behind them. They return some very talented players.”
WOODLAND
Head Coach: Charlie Ostrander (2nd season, 6-8)
2016 record: 6-8
Key players: Josh Powanda (So., No. 1 singles), James Nelson (Sr., capt., No. 2 singles), Nick Hudson (So., No. 3 singles).
Coach’s take: “We’re a young team (9 of 12 are sophomores) coming off a solid season. Should have a solid top end, and a lot of room to grow. Will be a good building year to find out footing for the next few seasons.”