The Baker University men’s and women’s tennis teams are looking to build on their third-place performances in last year’s Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament.

Head coach Joe Ahmadian is excited about the teams’ chances in the upcoming season.

“I expect us to compete well in the conference,” Ahmadian said. “Maybe the women will be able to do a little more damage. I don’t see as much talent there throughout the conference as last year.”

Sophomore Zach Aldrich echoed Ahmadian’s beliefs.

“We’ve not always been the best team,” Aldrich said. “But based on last year, I think we can get even better this season.”

Both teams have dealt with changes during the year due to players transferring.

“We have Gianfranco (Moncada, a transfer student from Venezula) filling the void left by Nick Baker,”Ahmadian said.

Baker was the top player for the men’s team before transferring at the end of the fall semester.

“On the other side, we have another transfer, Katie Anderson, taking over the one spot for the women,” Ahmadian said.

After returning from the fall season, Ahmadian has been impressed with two freshmen in particular.

“Aaron Greenbaum has really surprised me in a good way,” Ahmadian said. “Being a dual sport athlete, it’s really surprising to see a lot of improvement.”

On the women’s side, he is pleased with the efforts of another first-year player.

“I really like how Megan Henry has been working,” Ahmadian said. “After the break, she has really moved her way up the lineup.”

Victoria Bostic, one of the three freshmen on the women’s roster, has not been fazed by the change in the level of competition.

“It feels not that much different (than high school),” Bostic said. “There are always people better than me, and other people more on my level.”

Ahmadian is focused on preparing the team both physically and mentally for the season.

“I think endurance has been an issue,” Ahmadian said. “A lot of that can be fixed off the court, with diet and extra exercise. I also think they have to work on their mental approach, as far as a sense of belief in themselves.”

Bostic believes the team will be ready on time for its Feb. 22 opener in Springfield, Mo.

“I think we will be fine,” she said. “I don’t think we need to worry about that.”