Women’s tennis team opens spring play against Bears
January 27, 2006
The ISU women’s tennis team opens the spring season against the Big 12 champion Baylor Bears.
“We are excited to open the season against Baylor,” said coach Michele Conlon. “They are ranked, and it’s a great challenge. That’s why these girls come here, to play these programs.”
The last time the two teams met, Baylor defeated the Cyclones 7-0 in Waco.
The Cyclones return a full roster with the addition of freshman Kara Hickey from the last meeting.
“They are a tough team, and it will be nice to play them at home, but it’s not all about rankings,” said senior Elizabeth Chermel.
This is the final semester for Chermel and senior Charlotte Ljungkrantz, but the team’s sights are locked onto Baylor. This will also be the team’s first action since late October.
Chermel went 6-21 in singles overall last year, and 4-6 in tournament play.
Sophomore Chrissy Derouin went 8-19 in singles overall.
Junior Danielle Uscinski went 8-17 in singles overall, and 4-4 in tournament play.
Junior Jill Palen went 8-24 in singles overall, and 5-10 in tournament play.
Sophomore Caitlin Loprinzi went 6-14 in singles overall, and 5-6 in tournament play.
Senior Charlotte Ljungkrantz went 3-15 in singles overall.
“We had an incredibly strong fall season and we’re hoping to carry that into the spring,” Chermel said.
This spring, the Cyclones will have junior Eve Soriano back with the team from a medical redshirt last spring. Team health should not be a major issue to begin the season.
“Eve [Soriano] is back, she’s making her comeback,” Chermel said.
“We’re working on getting Caitlin healthy, but other than that, things are pretty good.”
Aside from being the conference champions, Baylor also features the 2005 NCAA individual champion, Zuzana Zemenova.
Matches start at 1 p.m. Saturday at the south location of the Ames Racquet and Fitness Center, 320 S. 17th St. Admission is free.
