Friday, 03/22/2013

RICHMOND, Va. - Smiles don't come easy to Head Coach Paul Kostin, a very calculated and focused coach who is nearing 1,000 career wins.

This week, Kostin was able to crack a small smile as his VCU men's tennis team returned to the ITA Top 25 for the first time in four years and the 18th time during his 23-year tenure with the Rams.

"I'm proud of the guys and earning a spot in the top 25 is a testament to the work they've put in," Kostin said. "But I think it also shows how much we can accomplish if we continue to put in the work and focus on getting better every time we step on the court."

Led by two of the top-75 singles players in the country, #21 Max Wennakoski and #72 Alexis Heugas, the Black & Gold have reeled off victories in eight of its past nine matches en route to a 14-4 mark.

This weekend, VCU will take on two Atlantic 10 foes at home with visits from Charlotte (Friday - 2 p.m.) and George Washington (Sunday - 1 p.m.). The Colonials are the reigning A-10 Champions.