Temple’s men’s and women’s tennis teams are both looking to improve upon last season, but have different outlooks heading into this upcoming year.

The men’s team finished 9-10 overall last year, but 4-2 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Their season was capped off by a disappointing loss to George Washington in the A-10 tournament.

Coach Steve Mauro considers his men’s squad to be in a rebuilding stage. They are faced with a critical setback of losing four starters from last year, but are also welcoming some new athletes who they hope will contribute.

“It’s a different process,” Mauro said. “We’re in a rebuilding stage. We’re bringing in a bunch of good players, we just don’t know how they’ll do on the college level. We’re hoping for the best.”

Of those returning, sophomore Kristian Marquart is the only one to post a record over .500, finishing 9-7 in singles play. With three years left to improve, the 6 foot, 2 inch athlete provides a valuable young spark for the Owls.

The women’s team (14-11, 6-1 A-10) proves to be in a better position to make a championship run than the men’s team. They suffered a painful 4-3 loss in the A-10 title match last year to Massachusetts, but with six of eight players returning and a few new promising ones being added, they appear to be in an ideal position to make a title run.

“We expect to finish [No.] 1 or 2 in our conference,” Mauro said. “With those returning players and the addition of three solid players, we should be in the hunt for the A-10 title.”

Sophomore Maame Ama Osi stood out for the lady Owls last year, recording an impressive 19-9 record in singles play. This year, along with four juniors who Mauro hopes will step into leadership roles, she will attempt to lead her squad over the hump of the A-10 championship.

-Mark McHugh