Tennis notes, May 8: Former Hilton Head Christian star Bybel earns Patriot League honors
Former SCISAA player of the year and Hilton Head Christian Academy tennis star Nick Bybel continues to shine at the college level.
This week, Bybel, a sophomore at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, was named the Patriot League's player of the year.
The Bisons' standout was also named to the Academic All-Patriot League team. This is the second straight year that Bybel's outstanding play has earned him league recognition. In 2013, he was honored as the Patriot League Rookie of the Year.
Bybel went 26-9 in singles play this year, including a 14-4 record at No. 1. He also finished 16-12 in doubles play.
BLUFFTON TODAY OPEN STARTS FRIDAY
The ninth annual Bluffton Today Open tennis tournament kicks off Friday at Palmetto Bluff and runs through Sunday.
The tournament is designed to promote public tennis and youth tennis participation in Bluffton. Participants and spectators will be treated to prizes, contests, food and more. On the court, novice (LF) and challenger (L4) levels for both boys and girls 10s-18s will be on display.
"We're pretty happy," organizer Robert Brown said. "I think we have 80-plus kids. We think the weather's good. We're ready to go. It's free, there will be plenty of food."
Details: www.sctennis.com/bluffton or call Robert Brown at 290-2833.
LOCALS WIN BIG AT 55, 75 & OVER TOURNAMENT
Playing on familiar surfaces around the island last weekend, Beaufort County participants claimed six USTA S.C. State League Championships in 75 and over and 55 and over play.
More than 100 players competed over the course of the two competitions, with area teams nabbing top honors in several divisions.
In 75 and over play at Palmetto Dunes, a men's team from the Coastal Carolina Tennis Association captained by Gerald Marvin took the crown in the men's 3.0 division. A Hilton Head Island team captained by Bob Prentz captured the men's 3.5 division title. And a women's 3.5 squad captained by Christine Lulo won a title.
In the 55 and over competition, a women's 3.0 team captained by Beverley Moore was the winner. Also a 4.0 team captained by Judy Mattoon and a 9.0 team captained by Cindy Vander Berg went on to win titles.
The 55 and over winners advance to the sectional championships Sept. 19 to 21 in Asheville, N.C.
PRO LEAGUE OF HHI CONTINUES PLAY
The Pro League of Hilton Head Island will host its third round of league play Friday at Palmetto Dunes. Players World of Sports will face off with Spinnaker Resorts at 6 p.m. Merril Lynch will play Island Family Dental in the second match.
Last week's results included Merril Lynch's 2-1 win over Spinnaker and Players World of Sports' 2-1 win over Family Dental.
Details: www.proleaguetennis.com
This story was originally published May 9, 2014 at 4:19 AM with the headline "Tennis notes, May 8: Former Hilton Head Christian star Bybel earns Patriot League honors."