2003 Women's Tennis Team
Is Building Momentum in Early Matches
10/2/03
With four returning players and a number of new faces eager to make their
mark on the Mercer Women's Tennis Team, Head Coach Marc Vecchiolla
is optimistic about the season currently underway. With a 4-0 record
through the end of September, Vecchiolla observes that his returning players
are much improved from last year and is hoping that several additional players
who become eligible this month will add new depth to the roster.
The current roster includes Landry Shelley (no. 1), Jana Sulerova
(no. 2), Maureen Haggerty (no. 3), Sherry Lin, Janice
Wilcox, Desiree Noel, Victoria Lissova, and Sarah Maisto
, all of whom can play in the 4-6 positions, and Silvina Wills (injured).
"The women are having a good time," said Vecchiolla. "At first they
were concerned that playing would pose too great a time commitment.
Now they can't stay away. It's a great addition to their college experience."
This season, the team is hoping to add yet another regional title to its
six consecutive championships in Region 19. Mercer women's tennis has
also made a name for itself at the national level. Competing with a
reduced roster, the women placed sixth at last year's nationals in May, but
have won the national title three times in the past six years and have placed
second twice. Vecchiolla predicts the Vikings' stiffest competition
this season will come from the talented, well-coached squad from Ocean County
College. That match-up is scheduled for Oct. 9 (home). Vecchiolla
is assisted by Ralph Bencivengo and Barb Pleva.
