2007 Women’s Tennis Preview

GOLDEN EAGLES READY FOR SPRING 2007

SEEKING SPOT IN PSAC PLAYOFFS

            The Clarion University women’s tennis team, fresh off their 3-1 record on their Spring trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, will look to have an exciting Spring campaign and hope to qualify for the PSAC Championships in April.

GOLDEN EAGLES HOST SETON HILL MARCH 22ND

            Clarion defeated Nebraska Wesleyan 5-4, St. Michaels 7-2 and Macalester 7-2, while losing only once to Tiffin 5-4 on their trip to South Carolina. Combined with a 5-3 Fall record, the Golden Eagles open the home spring season with a combined 8-4 record on March 22^nd against Seton Hill. Match time is 3:30 at Campbell Courts. The first PSAC-West match is scheduled for April 3^rd when Clarion travels to take on the Vulcans of California University.  California is the current favorite to win the PSAC-West after posting an 11-0 fall record.  Clarion’s first home PSAC-West match will be on April 5 when the Eagles take on Slippery Rock at noon.  PSAC’s are set for April 20-21 at Bloomsburg.

SABATOSE ENTERS 7^TH SEASON AT CLARION

            Head Coach Lori Sabatose enters her 7^th season as the Eagles tennis coach.  Last season, her Golden Eagles finished with a record of 11-9 overall and 2-2 in the PSAC-West.  Sabatose was a four year starter for Clarion from 1988-91, posting a career singles slate of 51-7, and was 53-11 in doubles.  Sabatose won four PSAC individual titles during her four years.  She helped the Golden Eagles to a 47-2 dual meet record and Clarion won 3 PSAC team titles during her career.

ROMBACH, JACK & BAUMGARTNER TRI-CAPTAINS

            This season Sabatose will do something she has never done before and name tri-captains.  The captains for the 2007 season are Corin Rombach, Kristen Jack and Lisa Baumgartner.  “These three women are great role models and leaders for this team.” Sabatose said. “They help bring out the best in all the players around them.” 

Rombach will once again have the honors of playing #1 singles and doubles positions.  In the fall, Rombach posted a mark of 5-5 at both singles and doubles with fellow captain Kristen Jack. She was 9-7 in singles last year and 8-6 in singles as a freshman when Cori was the 2005 PSAC-West “Rookie of the Year” and selected to the All-PSAC squad.

            Jack, who will claim the #3 singles position and #1 doubles with Rombach, recorded a fall singles record of 2-5 and a 6-4 doubles record with Rombach and Brittany Bovalino. She was a combined 8-11 in singles in 2005-06, 8-6 in 2004-05 and 5-7 in singles play in 2003-04.

            Baumgartner will be playing the #2 singles and doubles positions.  Baumgartner, finished with a singles record of 5-5 in the Fall and a doubles record of 9-2 with Amy Robertson.  Lisa had two key wins in the fall season, when she defeated Millersville’s Christi Lilli 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Kutztown’s Sabrina Arnaud 6-3, 4-6, 11-9.   She was 13-9 in singles last year and 14-1 in singles as a freshman.

ROBERTSONS & BOVALINO ROUND OUT TOP 6 SINGLES

Rounding out the final three singles spots will be Amy Robertson at #4, Megan Robertson at #5 and Brittany Bovalino at #6 singles. 

Junior Amy Robertson had a successful fall season going 9-2 at #4 singles. Robertson also plays at #2 doubles with Lisa Baumgartner going 9-2 during the fall season. She was 9-11 in singles last year and 16-7 in doubles play. “Amy has become a very tough competitor” Sabatose said. “She covers the court very well and can be extremely flexible with her shots.” 

Junior Megan Robertson also had a very successful fall slate when she posted a record of 6-3 at #5 singles.  Robertson also plays at #3 doubles with Brittany Bovalino and Mary Loveless posting a 6-3 record. She was 9-9 in singles play a year ago and 13-10 in doubles. “Megan worked to improve her game the entire summer.” Sabatose stated.  “It definitely helped with her success in the fall season.”

Bovalino, a freshman, posted a singles record of 5-2 at #6 in the Fall and a doubles record of 6-1, playing with Megan Robertson and Kristen Jack.  “Brittany has a tremendous backhand and an overall great attitude.” Sabatose said. “This is a great asset to her game.”

LOVELESS & LEUSCHEL BATTLE FOR #6 SINGLES

            One thing that Coach Sabatose is excited to have this year is team depth.  There are a number of Golden Eagles vying for playing time during the spring season.  Freshman Mary Loveless had a fall record of 1-1 and will be looking to move into the #6 singles position.  Kassie Leuschel, from nearby St. Marys, transferred between semesters from Mercyhurst College and will also vie for the #6 singles spot. At Mercyhurst, Leuschel posted a career singles record of 1-4.  “Kassie will help to provide nice depth for our team.” stated Sabatose “She is a very experienced player.” 

NEDLEY, HOGUE & GIBSON ADD QUALITY DEPTH

Other Golden Eagles vying for playing time will be Nicole Nedley, Jessica Hogue and Andi Gibson.  “It is really nice having a lot of depth on our team.” Sabatose said. “All of these can play the game of tennis well.”

            Clarion’s ultimate goal for the season is to claim one of the two PSAC-West play-off spots and then contend for a top finish.  Clarion is currently ranked 10^th as a team and 8^th in doubles.

“We are excited for the continued success of Clarion tennis.” Sabatose said. “We have a great team personality and an excellent work ethic.  This will help us to reach our goal this season.”

By: Ryan Smith