Dec. 16, 2000

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara's men's tennis head coach Sean Burns announced the signing of Francisco Zepponi to a letter of intent during last month's signing period.

Zepponi, an honors student at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, is one of the top three players in Northern California and was ranked 88th in the nation at the end of last year. Additionally, this past summer, he won four rounds at the SuperNationals in Kalamazoo, Mich.

"With his wide array of shots, superior movement and aggressive mentality, Francisco will be an immediate starter for the Broncos," Burns said.

This year's men's team is ranked 75th heading into the 2001 season, marking the first preseason ranking ever for the program. The poll, released by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association on Tuesday, also ranked seven of the Broncos' opponents, led by No. 6 TCU.

The Broncos finished the 2000 season with a 15-9 record and earned the program's first national ranking ever, finishing the season at No. 65. Santa Clara won nine of its last 10 dual matches, including a second-place finish in the WCC tournament, en route to the recognition.

The Broncos opening spring dual-match action on January 19 at No. 52 Arizona State.