Alma Looks To Youngsters For Leadership
The Alma College women’s tennis team looks to the 2005 season as a building year with a strong contingent of young competitors.The Scots graduated last season’s number one singles player and anticipated six returners this season until Megan Coffin suffered a shoulder injury in fall practices that requires season-ending surgery. Coffin will take a medical redshirt this season and head coach Chi Ly expects Coffin to be a force in 2006.
The remaining five returners will be key players in the lineup. Jessica Eichorn (Alma/Ithaca) played number two singles last season and will be expected to remain in the competitive top three in the Alma lineup. The only senior on the team, Kelly Ross (Washington Twp./Romeo), will showcase her leadership and talent in one of the top spots for the Scots.
Lauren Thompson (Traverse City/Traverse City Central) worked hard in the off-season, developing her game and gaining invaluable experience as a freshman last year. After playing number four singles a year ago, she will be a force for the Maroon and Cream in both singles and doubles play. Alma also welcomes back Laura Kendrick (Marysville) after the sophomore suffered a broken wrist early in 2004. She was able to rehabilitate enough to return to doubles action to close out the 2004 season and is anticipated to be a contender for the top three spots in the lineup this year.
Rounding out returners for the Scots, Kristen Minter (Almont) is expected to strengthen the Alma roster after improving her game in the off-season and brings a matured resolve to competition.
Newcomers for the Scots include Avis Groath (Clinton Twp./Frazer), Lindsay Wagner (Lapeer/Lapeer East) and Emily Zimostrad (Midland/Midland High).
The Scots travel to Orlando, Fla., for the team’s annual spring trip Feb. 28-Mar. 6 where they will face Rose-Hulman, Lewis, Ohio Northern, Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State. The home schedule for the Scots includes a March 10 match against Hope College and dual matches against Albion (Mar. 23), Kalamazoo College (Mar. 30) and Calvin College (Apr. 5). Closing out the home season, the Scots host a three-team round robin event April 9 with Spring Arbor and St. Joseph (Ind.) and a dual match against Olivet on April 13.
Posted: Wed, February 23rd, 2005 at 4:09PM
