The 2002-2003 Women's Tennis Team (standing, l. to r.): Assistant Coach Ralph Bencivengo, Ya-ting Hsu, Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla, Landry Shelley, and Assistant Coach Barb Pleva; front row: Desiree Noel, Maureen Haggerty and Jana Sulerova.

The Mercer Women's Tennis Team has shown steady improvement as it prepares for the national tournament, to be held in College Station, TX, from May 4-9.  Reports Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla, the women began an intense practice schedule at an indoor facility in January and recently moved their game outside to Mercer County Park, where they can be found every weekday afternoon.  The team, which won its sixth consecutive regional championship in the fall, is defending its 2001-2002 national title.  The Mercer women's team has won the national title three times in the last five years, and placed second twice.

Unfortunately the Vikings head for the nationals with only five of the eight players from the fall season.  "With eligibility based on the roster at the end of the fall season, it is not possible to fill in those positions with other players," said Vecchiolla.  As a result, the team has had to give up matches in the #5 singles and the #2 double slots, making a national title this year a daunting task.

The one returning player from the last year's championship team is Ya-ting Hsu (#2). The roster also includes Landry Shelley (#1), who played a near-perfect fall season, Maureen Haggerty (#3), Jana Sulerova (#4) and Desiree Noel (#6).

Vecchiolla has considered this to be a rebuilding year.  "I think we are fortunate to be going to the national tournament and I'm hoping that it will be a good time and a good learning experience," he said.  Noting that four of his five players should be returning next fall, he is counting on this trip to Texas to give his team the experience of playing in the nationals and preparing it for a competitive season in 2003-2004.

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