After winning its third Mountain West Conference Championship in four years, the BYU women's tennis team is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2007-08 season. With the help of seasoned veterans, as well as young, new talent, the Cougars hope to continue their success at the national level.
"We've got a nice combination of some experienced players, with young talented players," said head coach Craig Manning. "I'm really excited because of the talent. I think if we work hard and focus on the right things we'll have a really special year."
As the 2006-07 season came to a close, the women's tennis team remained a top-30 program with a No. 26 final ranking, and the No. 1 team in the Central Region. The team also received an automatic bid to participate in the NCAA National Women's Tennis Championships, marking its 18th overall appearance.
Losing two talented players to graduation at the conclusion of last season, Manning recognizes the challenge replacing them will pose this year.
"We lost two really good players last year, in Lauren [Jones] and Sophia [Holden]," he said. "They were both big time players for us in both singles and doubles. Those are two big holes to fill, but I'm anxious to see how the year goes."
Among those returning are three seniors--Dolly Chang, Jennifer Miccoli and Anastasia Surkova-- who have been plagued with injuries throughout summer and fall. If they can return healthy and fresh this season, the Cougars will see added success both on and off the court.
"Our three seniors have been there and done that," said Manning. "They're great singles players, great doubles players and great team leaders. They bring a great chemistry to our team and set such great examples. They do everything."
Surkova, last season's MWC Co-Player of the Year, finished 14-3 at BYU's number one spot and 22-5 overall. She finished the year ranked 88th in singles, winning her last 12 matches.
"[Surkova] is just an amazing tennis player," said Manning. "I'm hoping we can get her healthy because we want to see her have a great senior year in both singles and doubles."
Also returning this season is a talented group of sophomores, including BYU Invitational singles champion Kristina Doerr, in whom Manning has seen dramatic improvement. Chie Hayasaka and Jocelyn Jensen are also back to compete with BYU for their second seasons.
The Cougars have recruited two new international freshman players--Elle Carney from Australia and Russia's Elizaveta Ezhova.
"[Carney and Ezhova] are both really talented and really strong players," said Manning. "You can't say enough good things about our freshman. Our last two recruiting classes have been exceptional. They've worked hard and are anxious to get the season started."
BYU will kick off its spring season on the road when it faces Hawaii on Jan. 4 and Baylor on Jan. 5. The team will return home to host its first matches of the season against Utah State and Arkansas on Jan. 18-19. As the season continues the Cougars will see tough competition when they play No. 5 Cal-Berkley, No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 13 Baylor and No. 14 Fresno State.
"I always love playing Notre Dame," said Manning. "They're kind of a class act, the way they play. Our schedule is going to be tougher than ever, but we're playing a lot at home this year which will be good."
BYU fans will have many opportunities to support their Cougars at home this season, as the team begins its run at another MWC Championship.