Women’s tennis is ready to serve up a comeback

The women's tennis team is looking to have a bounce back year following a mediocre season. In 2009, they finished with an overall record of 4-6 and went 2-5 in the SUNYAC conference. Entering the 2010 season, there are a lot of positives.

"We are going to be pretty good this year," said Anna Norris, a senior captain. "We have some new freshmen that are very promising. I think Jessica Johnston will have a very good season, along with Allie Phillips."

Last year cannot be looked at as a failure but the women certainly believe that there are a lot of areas that they can improve in. With this attitude and determination the women believe that tough losses to teams like Brockport can certainly be turned into wins this year. The interest in women's tennis at Fredonia is growing and so is the roster.

"We have a huge team this year; it's pretty much double what we had last year," said Calee Prindle, a senior captain. 

Coming into this season there will be a lot of competition for the women across the board. There were two very close decisions last year that really stuck out when the women took on Brockport (L 3-6) and Oswego (W 5-4).  For that reason, these may be two of the more anticipated games that the girls have circled on their schedules. 

"We look forward to playing Oswego and Brockport, there is a rivalry there," Prindle said.

In any sport, chemistry is a vital part to the overall success of a team throughout a season.  The results on the court are directly influenced by the group's morale. In order to build up a team's chemistry they must have a common goal and these women seem to have just that.

"We are honestly all really good friends, which is nice in tennis when everybody wants to be in the top six," said Julie Kalita, a sophomore on the team.

In order for the team to take the next step this season they must have the veterans pave the way for the younger players. The two newly elected captains (Calee Prindle and Anna Norris) seem like they are up for the challenge entering into their respective senior years. 

"I have to get the girls motivated and keep them on track," Norris said.

Prindle will also look to be a role model and motivator on the team this season.