The men’s tennis team will welcome two new student-athletes this semester: Santiago Canete and Sam Rundle. Both of the recruits are freshman, adding even more youth to a team that has one upperclassmen among eight players.

Canete, 18, comes from Spain. He has competed in five IFT Men’s Circuit tournaments over the past two years. These tournaments are run by the International Tennis Federation, and they are considered the lowest rung of professional tennis. Most professional tennis players spend some time playing in these tournaments.

“I expect Santiago Canete to be, right away, an impact player,” coach Steve Mauro said. “He had great results in Spain, where he was a top 200 player.”

Rundle, 19, hails from Perth, in Western Australia. Besides one doubles match that took place in December 2007, there is no match information on the IFT’s website. Even Mauro admits that Rundle is a bit of a wild card.

“I haven’t seen him play, but from what I’m told, he’s the best athlete on our team,” Mauro said. “He comes from a very athletic family, and I think he’s going to get better and better playing at such a high caliber day in and day out.”

Both players made a highlight video to send to colleges.

The team plays their first match on Friday against St. Francis (N.Y.) at 7:30 p.m.

-Evan Cross