2008 Woodie Awards
Tennis ready for tough challenge in PSAC West
By Alexis Burton
Rocket Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/3/06 Section: Sports Extra
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In its most recent match against Walsh College on Feb. 24, the Rock came out with a 6-3 win. The match started with doubles action, as the No. 1 team of veteran Ashley Michaux and freshman Kayla Blackburn won 8-1.
"It was a relatively easy win for us," Blackburn said. "We all stepped up and got good momentum from the beginning."
In the No. 3 doubles spot, the team of junior Sarah Karagianis and senior Erika McKenna added another win that launched the Rock into a 2-1 lead over the Lady Cavaliers.
In singles competition, the No. 1 and No. 2 singles spots belonged to Michaux and Blackburn. Both earned wins by scores of 8-3. Freshmen Lara Rizzi and Cristina Rhodes added two more wins for the Rock. Rizzi, who played in the No. 3 spot, came out on top by a score of 8-5, while Rhodes chalked up a winning score of 8-3 in the No .6 singles match.
The match against Walsh further proved the team's continuity. Freshman No. 3 Kelli Parnell was sick and not able to compete. This required the other women to fill her spots.
"Lara Rizzi, who usually plays the No. 4 spot, stepped up and played magnificently," coach Matt Meredith said. "She won the match for us."
The women's next match is March 11 against Presbyterian College.
In men's action, SRU lost 9-0 to Walsh College, falling to 1-7 so far in 2006.
Despite the losses, Meredith said he is not worried about the team's recent performance.
"We will be fine," Meredith said. "We really are focusing on just getting things worked out and preparing for our biggest matches against schools such as East Stroudsburg and West Chester. Winning these matches will advance us to nationals."
Over spring break, the teams will head to Hilton Head, S.C., where the Rock will be competing against various schools from the district. The team will also face competition against larger southern schools.
"This is an opportunity for the team to bond," sophomore Zack Thomas said. "We need to build momentum off the doubles. That's where we are really lacking."
Meredith said he is excited for the team he has assembled this season.
"This is one of the most talented teams I've had," Meredith said. "They all show great leadership and composure."
Following the cutting of eight varsity sports programs, including men's tennis, Meredith said his goal is to make this season as enjoyable as possible.
"I am not going to treat them any differently. I will treat them as student athletes, just as I always have," Meredith said. "I have no doubt that they will play to their best of ability, and many have expressed to me that they will do as good as they can."
Meredith said he plans to help players earn the scholarships and acceptances needed to continue their college tennis careers.
