University of Dayton men’s tennis coach Eric Mahone has announced the award winners for his first season at the Hilltop.  The team’s lone senior, Matt Sherman, was named team MVP while freshmen Joe West and Robert Salcedo were named UD’s Most Improved Player and Coaches Award recipient, respectively.

Sherman, from Ottawa, Ontario, was named MVP after compiling a 7-18 record playing almost exclusively at the #1 singles slot.  Five of his last nine losses in singles were three-setters.  The Nepean High School graduate was also 7-20 in doubles. 

“We couldn’t have gone through the changes we did and be where we are now without Matt’s leadership,” Mahone said.  “We’re going to miss him, and I wish he had another year with us.  But the impact he had will be felt in our program well after this season.”

West, who came to UD from St. Louis Chaminade High School, was 6-16 overall in singles, including 5-10 at #2 singles.  He was 4-6 in his last 10 matches.  Salcedo, a Boardman, Ohio product, was 4-21 in singles and 13-14 in doubles.  The 13 doubles wins were tied for tops on the team.

Dayton finished 6-18 overall in 2009-10, with wins in two of its last three matches.  The Flyers were ninth at the Atlantic 10 Championships.

“I’m happy with the progress we made, even though it was a transition year,” Mahone said.  “Our future is bright, thanks to the development West and Salcedo had.  We’re in the right place for what’s ahead.”