Women's Tennis Team Faces Very Ambitious Schedule
6/21/1999 8:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
February 12, 1999
The Terrapin women's tennis team looks toward the 1999 season as a final step in their resurgence on the national scene. Maryland returns three All-ACC selections - Lorraine Bittles (1997-98), Meg Griffin (1998) and Thea Ivanisevic (1996) - along with the talented nucleus of Adrienne Pavelko, Stacy Walkowitz, and Chrissie Terrill. Adding to the depth of the team is the addition of two talented freshmen, Kristina Curic and Courtney Perkins.
"This is a very exciting time for the program," says head coach Jim Laitta. "I feel that we had a very productive fall season as the team improved on a week-to-week basis. This team is extremely hard-working and everyone understands their role and what is necessary for us to continue with our past success.
So far, consistent improvement is what the tennis program has been built upon as Maryland has finished in the top half of the ACC conference the past three years. The Terps begin the season ranked 40th by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and tied for fourth in the East regional rankings. We have an outstanding team chemistry and understand the value of hard work, says Laitta. My goal is for us to be one of the nationally respected teams every year and to continue to attract some of the nations top junior talent."
The challenge for Maryland, however, is facing one of the most ambitious schedules in the nation. The Terps begin the spring season with tournaments at the Georgia Invitational, the ACC Indoors, and the National Indoor Championships in Dallas, Texas. Maryland faces a dual schedule comprised of four top 10 opponentsDuke, William & Mary, Arizona State and Wake Forest. Only three opponents on the Terrapin schedule are not currently ranked.
With the fall tournaments and the grueling spring schedule, everyone has been given the chance to compete against top-notch competition from around the country. Griffin, a senior, and Bittles, a junior, have become trailblazers for the Terps since their arrival in College Park. As a top 10 doubles team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last spring and consistent high-lineup players, they have been instrumental in the success of the program.
This year's team is close knit with outstanding chemistry, says Laitta. We are a more experienced team with added depth. If we can stay healthy and continue to work hard, we should be competitive throughout the upcoming spring season.
Preseason Women's Tennis Rankings
ACC players in the Preseason
ITA Singles Rankings 1. Vanessa Webb, Duke 27. Kristin Sanderson, Duke 35. Megan Miller, Duke 47. Mariel Verban, Wake Forest 67. Jessica Zaganczyk, North Carolina 80. Ali Weber, Florida State 81. Janet Bergman, Wake Forest 86. Kathy Sell, Duke 88. Meg Griffin, Maryland 90. Ioana Plesu, DukeOverall Preseason ITA Doubles Rankings 1. Karen Goldstein/Vanessa Webb, Duke T2. Amanda Augustus/Amy Jensen, California T2. Vanessa Castellano/Marissa Catlin, Georgia 4. Courtenay Chapman/Agnes Muzamel, Miss. 5. Martin Nedelkova/Sofia Ondrisova, VCU 6. Kelly Brown/Massoumeh Emami, Kentucky 7. Ana Fernandez/Elisa Penalvo, Marquette 8. Brooke Hart/Danielle Lund, Michigan 9. Lorraine Bittles/Meg Griffin, Maryland 10. Stephanie Nickitas/Jessica Lehnoff, Florida
