Lozinak Leads JC Tennis

By: Luke Jackson

Junior Tim Lozinak is more than just the John Carroll tennis team's No. 1 singles player.

Lozinak, one of the best players in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association, is the leader of the Patriots. Not only does he help run John Carroll's practices, he keeps working at his craft after practice is over.

"He leads practice and then goes to practice himself with a coach," said teammate Ollie Shepard. "He's a really strong player."

Lozinak is 1-1 on the season with a close loss to McDonogh's No. 1 player, but won handily in his match at Calvert Hall.

But the Patriots have gotten off to a slow 0-2 start in the MIAA A Conference with losses to the McDonogh Eagles and Calvert Hall Cardinals to begin the season.

Aaron Hopkins currently occupies the No. 2 singles spot for John Carroll, followed by Alex Hinder at No. 3.

Shepard and Mike Hirschhorn make up the Patriots' first doubles team. The pair are 0-2 on the season, but Shepard knows what needs to be done for improvement.

"[We need to be] practicing our volleys. We've got to start volleying better," Shepard said.

Hirschhorn is tall, and that makes it important for him to get to the net.

"Getting to the net is key for us because of his reach and height," Shepard said. " We talk a lot and try to get to the net."

Brandon Baetz and Romaine Tilotta make up John Carroll's second doubles team, though that position will probably have various players rotating through it, according to Shepard.

The Patriots' tough conference schedule will continue with a visit to Severn School on Tuesday.

Posted April 7, 2008