Clarksville, Ark.-A solid mixture of returning upper class players and a group of talented newcomers make up the 2004 U of O men's and women's tennis teams.
The Eagles will be led by a trio of seniors-Zach Boatwright, Reggie Brasfield and Cesar Herrera. All three are in great physical shape according to head coach Sally Wood. Junior Dan Benton adds experience to the squad. Sophomore Paul Northcutt, a much-improved player according to Wood, and freshmen Lee Short and Kevin Edwards are expected to contribute after adjusting to the college game. The Eagles have finished third in the American Southwest Conference East Division the past three years. “The men have a lot of potential and I believe their success will depend on how hard they work and how mentally tough they stay,” said Wood. The Lady Eagles are coming off their best season in the program’s history, an 8-3 record, a second-place finish in the ASC East Division and a trip to the ASC post-season championships. Last season, four Lady Eagles were named all-conference and five of the top six players received ASC all-academic recognition. Seniors Mandy Hock, Jamie Johnson, Debbie Giesecke and Holly Rexroat along with juniors Karie Allen and sophomore Mandy Glantz provide talent and stability to the team. Glantz will play the number-one singles position and Allen will shore up the number-two singles position for the Lady Eagles. Glantz and Allen combine to make up the number-one doubles team. Freshmen Jenna Kessler and Susan Walker made improvements during the fall season and will be expected to make a quick transition from high school to college. “The women’s team has the potential to do very well because we have five returning players from a team that went to the playoffs last season,” said Wood. “Most are in good physical condition, too.” Ozarks begins conference action on February 14 at home against Mississippi College.
Topics: Athletics