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2010 Tennis Season Preview
 This 2010 edition of the Avenging Angels tennis program will look to defend their 2009 USA South Athletic Conference tournament victory and NCAA tournament appearance. The team sees the addition of Head Coach Paul Huch and the changing of the guard in the top two spots in the singles positions. The team will look for underclassman to move up and carry the tradition of Meredith tennis.
Meredith’s lone senior will provide the leadership on this year’s team. Team co-captain Kathryn Maples has been on two teams that has gone to NCAA Division III tournament and looks to hold the #1 singles position to start season. Maples is an extremely hard worker who knows what it takes to win matches. The other co-captain, junior Zannah Webster has been a tremendous help in providing continuity through the coaching changes and organizing the team. Webster has improved immensely from last year and will be playing some #6 singles and #3 doubles this year. She tries to get better and cares about the team and its continued success. Sophomore Casey Collins has been plagued with nagging injuries so far, but will be counted on to play somewhere at the top of the singles ladder. Collins has a very strong serve and quick hands. As a transfer student she needs some matches since she hasn't played a dual match yet in her college career. Sophomore Ashley Pearsall is playing with a lot of confidence, and one of this year’s best overall players in singles and doubles. Pearsall does everything well with excellent volleying skills and very strong first serve. Sophomore Alison Flanagan is going from exhibition to the 4th or 5th singles position this year. The team expects a lot more of her this year than last. Flanagan has very good hands and is extremely athletic. Flanagan and Pearsall play doubles together and make a very good team. Junior Molly Parks is coming off her USA South tournament MVP honors from last season. Parks is very athletic and an extremely hard worker on the court. She pairs up with Betty Edwards in doubles. Freshman Betty Edwards is one of the team’s most consistent players. Edwards has a very strong backhand and great second serve. She will see action at #5 singles and doubles with Parks. Edwards has loads of potential and as only a freshman will grow with the team. Freshman Mollie Musgrave will see playing time at the #6 position to start the season. Musgrave is getting more and more consistent everyday and it is showing on the court. She has an excellent forehand, and is full of potential as a freshman. "The team has been having some great practices, and is really working hard. They are getting to know my style as a coach, and they are ready to start playing some matches. Obviously, our goal is to be playing our best tennis come tournament time, since their goal is to get back to the NCAA’s. The captains, as well as my assistant, have been a tremendous support system, and I am ready for a new challenge,” said Paul Huch. Meredith opens their season in a non-conference home match on Thursday, March 4th against Southern Virginia. |
