BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Veteran Coach Jack Master and the NCC Spartans tennis team are preparing to open practice in preparation for the 2010 Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC) schedule.

The Spartans are scheduled to open play on March 24th when they travel to Philadelphia to face the Community College of Philadelphia at 3:00pm.

"Well, I guess we will be indoors for a little while," quipped a sarcastic Master, "though after 31 seasons of this, nothing really surprises me."

Master, entering his 32nd season at the helm of the Spartans, was refering to the massive winter storm which blanketed the Lehigh Valley with over 20 inches of snow last week.  "We will be fine, if this is the worst thing that happens this season, we will be in great shape."

Master welcomes back sophomore Ashley Bennett, who captured the 2009 EPCC doubles championship with Megan Groh.  An All-Conference and All-State selection, Bennett will be looked to as the heir-apparent to the departed Groh, "I am counting on big things from Ashley," commented Master, "she had a great freshman season, but now opponents will be gunning for her."

Master expects to have Brandon Wright, Matt Sell and Bryan Silk returning as well from last season's PCAA State-Runner-up squad.  "We should be fairly experienced," commented Master, "and the addition of Barry Fedon should solidfy our rotation."

Individuals interested in the NCC tennis program should contact Coach Master at jmaster@northampton.edu.