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Mercer's Women’s 2001 – 2002 Tennis Team
Honored as Champs
11/27/02
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Pictured from left to right are: Mercer Athletic Director John Simone, Assistant Coach Ralph Bencivengo, Janine Hicks, Assistant Coach Barbara Pleva, Barbara Pal, Sarah Bucon, Jill Matasovsky, Ya-ting Hsu, Mai Fujita, Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla and Mercer President Robert Rose. |
During a recent ceremony Mercer's 2001 – 2002 Women's Tennis Team was honored with championship rings for athletic excellence. The women were winners of the NJCAA National Tournament in College Station, TX, in May. Mercer has gained a well-deserved reputation as a tennis powerhouse, with three national titles in the past five years and two second place finishes.
Mercer President Dr. Robert Rose commented that it is unusual at a community college, where players are limited to two years, for a team to consistently achieve at such a high level. "The Board of Directors and I felt it was time not only to recognize these stellar athletes, but also their coaches, Marc Vecchiolla, Ralph Bencivengo and Barb Pleva," said Rose. "These individuals love the sport. They enable their players to develop not only the skills to win, but also the positive attitude that helps in the mental game of tennis. When these students look back on their years at Mercer, they will remember winning a national tennis championship in addition to their academics. What a wonderful experience to give them."
The 2002 - 2003 Women's Tennis Team will also be heading to the national tournament in May, 2003, after Mercer won a sixth consecutive Region 19 title this fall.