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By Louis Petrella

Knights focus on mentoring young for prolonged success in spring

With a roster that holds 12 freshmen, the upperclassmen on the Rutgers men’s track and field team understand the importance of mentoring the youth. Unlike other college sports where first-year athletes do not see much action, track and field is different in the sense that most freshmen are thrown into the action when they start the season in December.Apr 2 2014

Rookies use break to prepare for lofty goals

While most Rutgers students relaxed over break, the men’s track and field team took advantage of the time off to improve itself on and off the track. On the track, the Scarlet Knights emphasized getting the younger players used to competing in indoor meets. Many freshmen competed in the Rutgers Invitational on Jan. 10-11, which was the Knights’ second meet of the indoor season.Jan 23 2014

RU finishes in ninth at Great Dane Invite in NYC

The Rutgers men’s track and field team entered the heart of its indoor schedule during the month-long winter recess. The team faced 14 other schools this past weekend in the Great Dane Invitational, hosted by Albany at the New York City Armory in the Bronx. The historic track and field site is home to a 60,000-square-foot arena with an Olympic-caliber track, and also the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.Jan 21 2014

Rutgers sets up for strong spring

The Rutgers tennis team finally feels it has the firepower to compete with some of the top teams in the Northeast Region. The squad believes a combination of a strong youthful roster and constant strong competition led it to a position of success. Head coach Ben Bucca’s philosophy of beating the best to be the best rubbed off on his players.Dec 11 2013

Rutgers to unvail young roster in opener

The Rutgers men’s track and field team gets its indoor season underway Saturday at the Princeton New Year’s Invitational. The meet will take place on the Princeton campus at Jadwin Gymnasium. Joining the Scarlet Knights at the event will be seven other schools, including Johns Hopkins, Rider, Towson and Princeton. The Knights hope to reproduce last season’s effort at Princeton, when they won three events and had other various second-place finishes.Dec 6 2013

Head coach says Rutgers finished year strongly

As one season ends, another begins. The Rutgers tennis team completed a tough fall season this weekend and will begin offseason training to prepare for the spring campaign. Head coach Ben Bucca is proud of the way the Scarlet Knights performed this season in tournaments and practices. “I speak for everyone when I say that we are satisfied in knowing that [the team] really pushed forward and put forth a strong effort this season,” Bucca said.Oct 24 2013

Fall season concludes at Invite

The Rutgers tennis team concluded its fall season this weekend at the ITA Northeast Regional Championships at Harvard. Four Scarlet Knights were selected to compete in the singles draw at the regional tournament, which was the most in program history. Head coach Ben Bucca was disappointed with the draws the team received, but proud of the way his players fought.Oct 22 2013

Four qualify for weekend championship

Four members of the Rutgers tennis team made the qualifications to compete at this weekend’s ITA Northeast Regional Championship. Coming off a strong showing at the USTA Invitational in Flushing, N.Y., the players will travel today to Harvard, this year’s championship host. Senior Vanessa Petrini, juniors Lindsay Balsamo and Mariam Zein and sophomore Gina Li stand among the 103 participants from 33 schools.Oct 17 2013

RU gains chemistry from geographical differences

The Rutgers tennis roster has come from all over the country and found a home in New Brunswick. The team’s closeness has made it a comfortable transition for all the Scarlet Knights. “You get really close to everyone on the team, as opposed to a team with a lot of people and you don’t really know what’s going on in each other’s lives,” said senior Stefania Balasa.Oct 9 2013

Rookie impresses despite ankle issue

Freshman Farris Cunningham has been a member of the Rutgers tennis team for only a short time, but everyone in the program, including senior captain Vanessa Petrini, has already felt her impact.Sep 26 2013

Injuries plague Knights’ fall debut in Providence

The Rutgers tennis team completed its first tournament of the season last weekend in Providence for the three-day Brown Invitational. Head coach Ben Bucca feels a lot of positivity can be drawn from the weekend’s grueling action.Sep 24 2013

Invitational serves as first real test of fall season

The Rutgers tennis team opens its fall season this weekend in Providence at the Brown Invitational. The Scarlet Knights enter the tournament confident off of a strong preseason scrimmage against NJIT. Senior Vanessa Petrini is excited for her final autumn run.Sep 20 2013

Coach believes team MVP has greater potential

Being named the Most Valuable Player on any team is an exceptional honor, but receiving the award as a freshman is nearly unheard of. Sophomore Gina Li earned the award last season for the Rutgers tennis team.Sep 13 2013

Bucca’s experience benefits program’s success

Rutgers head tennis coach Ben Bucca is no stranger to the tennis courts at the University. Raised in central New Jersey, Bucca is used to seeing the block ‘R’ hanging all over campus.Sep 6 2013

Spring season provides momentum for fall

After a 14-9 overall and 8-4 record in the Big East last season, the Rutgers tennis team is anticipating an even better one this fall. While there are not as many fall matches, head coach Ben Bucca believes the Scarlet Knights’ improvements last season should carry into a strong season ahead.Sep 4 2013