Coming off a solid Fall 2002 season, the Clarion University women’s tennis team is looking to reach the next level in the Spring 2003 campaign. The Golden Eagles open the 2003 season March 26 at Geneva.

"We finished the fall season strong," Clarion head coach Lori Sabatose said. "Everyone was playing pretty well. Hopefully we can keep that momentum going. We would like to take the next step and finish .500 or better in the Spring season."

With a team that consists of all but one player, Jen Spaid, back from the fall season, Sabatose knows her team will put forth a great effort in the spring season.

"These players have been working very hard all season and have improved their games," Sabatose said. The Golden Eagles will sport a mix of experience and youth this spring.

Leading the way at the No. 1 singles position will be senior Cara Bobish (Aliquippa/Quigley), who has played either No. 1 or No. 2 singles during her entire Clarion career. Bobish finished 2-3 at No. 1 singles and 1-4 in No. 1 doubles in the fall.

Bobish, a PSAC semifinalist in singles and doubles in 1999, will use her power to win matches.

"She shows a lot of strength," Sabatose said. "She is a powerful, intense player. She is able use her power in all of her shots."

Freshman Amanda Brothers (Pittsburgh/Moon) will play at the No. 2 singles position. In the fall, Brothers went 1-3 at No. 3 singles and 3-1 at No. 3 doubles. According to Sabatose, Brother showed improvement throughout the year leading to a season-ending three-set win over Edinboro’s Kathy Kinzer.

"She is very composed," Sabatose said. "For a freshman, she really handles herself well. She is very tough and pushes herself hard. One of her goals at the beginning of the fall was to be playing No. 1 singles by the end of the spring.

"She’s very powerful, has great team chemistry and can handle pressure well. For a freshman to be playing No. 2 singles is quite an accomplishment." Another freshman, Ashley Rhodes (Altoona/Altoona) is expected to make a significant impact for the Golden Eagles in the spring playing at No. 3 singles after going 1-4 at No. 4 singles in the fall.

"Ashley has very good skills," Sabatose said. "She also has a very smooth backhand. We know she is going to give a good effort."

At No. 4 singles will be senior Brooke Vukich (New Brighton/New Brighton), who went 2-3 at No. 5 singles in the fall, while her twin sister Brandy Vukich (Sr., New Brighton/New Brighton) will move up one spot to No. 5 singles after going 2-3 at mostly No. 6 singles in the fall. The Vukich sisters will also be the team’s captains.

"Brooke is a very talented player," Sabatose said. "She is a good, solid overall player. She has more confidence in her game, and her serve has improved.

"With Brandy, she is a very determined player. She hates to lose and does everything she can to earn a win. Her games have long volleys that lead to lot of three-set matches."

At No. 6 singles will be sophomore Jessica Lowden (Grove City/Grove City). Lowden won her only singles match of the fall in a three-set thriller.

"She is very cool, calm and collected," Sabatose said. "She will continue to improve with experience."

Pushing Lowden at the No. 6 slot will be seniors Rebecca Emert (Latrobe/Greater Latrobe) and Lynn Pinkerton (South York/Dallastown).

In terms of doubles play, Bobish and Brothers will play No. 1 doubles. Bobish played No. 1 doubles in the fall, while Brothers was teamed with Brooke Vukich at No. 3 doubles and posted a winning record.

"They are the best two players we have," Sabatose said. "They are very athletic, determined players who should work well together."

For the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions, Sabatose will try to find perfect fits.

Rhodes and Brandy Vukich played No. 2 doubles in the fall and finished 1-3 but may have different partners in the spring.

"We will try to find the most effective combinations," Sabatose said.

Sabatose also said Emert and Pinkerton will be worked into the doubles mix.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES: Clarion opens up home play April 4 when it hosts Edinboro at 3:30 p.m. ... The Golden Eagles also have home matches with Seton Hill and Norte Dame College April 12. The Seton Hill match starts at 10 a.m., while the Eagles play Notre Dame at 2 p.m. ... Clarion will be at the PSAC’s at Bloomsburg April 16-18.