BOONE, N.C. - Appalachian State University women's tennis is set to begin its 2012 season when the team hosts North Carolina A&T on Saturday at Yonahlossee Racquet Club at 3 p.m. The match will provide the Mountaineers with their first test in what is expected to be a productive season for the Apps.
Coming off of its first 11-win season since 2006, Appalachian State University women's tennis is ready to hit the courts for another competitive season. The Mountaineers concluded their 2011 campaign with an appearance in the Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinals, and with the majority of its lineup back this year, the team's continued improvement could bring it closer to the goal of a SoCon crown.
Entering his 14th season at the helm, head coach Colin Crothers is familiar with his team and opponents, and he has high hopes for his athletes. “Our goal is always to improve,” noted Crothers. “Our schedule might be the hardest we've had, and we're definitely a better team this year, especially at doubles.”
Last year's top player, Ellie Linsell, is back to compete in her third season at No. 1 singles. The 2011 second-team all-SoCon selection began last season with an 8-1 record, and despite missing the fall season due to injury, the junior should be ready to lead her team from the first spot this spring.
Junior Jennifer Ansari has been the Apps' No. 2 starter since her freshman season and is set to go again near the front of the lineup. She has posted double-digit singles wins in each of her two previous seasons and may challenge Linsell for the top spot.
The middle of the lineup should be competitive this season, highlighted by senior Blakeley Bean and sophomore Jessica Thaggard. Bean provides valuable experience to the squad, having played in the starting lineup since her freshman season, while Thaggard continues to mature and looks to challenge her older teammates for position on the squad.
Junior Kim-Lea Dinh played in most of the team's matches, adding a versatile player to round out the lineup in the No. 4 to 6 spots. She posted a winning record in her debut season with the Apps last year and continues to be a reliable option for the team.
Senior Gisela Fernandez has been a sturdy player for coach Crothers and will continue to provide a strong option for added depth. Fellow seniors Christina Calott and Gabriela Celi are both talented players whose off-season efforts will make them valuable assets to fill in at No. 5 and No. 6 singles as well as doubles pairings. The added competition of all three will put pressure on the rest of the team to maintain a high level of play.
Newcomer Gabby Gabriel brings additional talent to the Mountaineers and will challenge ASU's top players for time on the court this year.
In doubles play, Linsell and Bean played at the top spot last season and could be called upon to lead from the front again this year. Ansari and Fernandez made strides as the second pair near the end of 2011, while Thaggard is in the mix for the No. 3 duo and could partner with nearly any other Mountaineer to provide an experienced doubles corps for the team.
The Mountaineers begin the season with a month of indoor play before taking to the outdoor courts. After hosting North Carolina A&T in the team's home opener on Jan. 21, the Apps face numerous tough opponents in the first months of play, including James Madison and Virginia Tech with home dates versus ETSU and East Carolina.
The Southern Conference campaign begins when the Black and Gold host Elon on March 6. After a home match against UNC Asheville on March 7, the team heads south for several weeks of road competition.
UNC Wilmington will provide a tough non-conference challenge in late March, and the season concludes at the 2012 Southern Conference Tournament being held in Charleston, S.C., April 19-22.
“The competition within our team has made us better,” concluded Crothers. “The players have bought into what I've asked them to do as a coach. We want to win the conference, but our first priority is to work hard, continue to improve and beat some of those teams that finished ahead of us in the standings.”
