Temple University Athletics
2009 Outlook: Women's Tennis To Begin Title Defense On Wednesday At Princeton
1.26.09 | Women's Tennis
Jan. 26, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - Expectations are at an all-time high for the Temple women's tennis program, which returns seven letterwinners from last year's Atlantic 10 Championship team. The biggest change comes at the top, where Steve Mauro, who has coached the Owls' men's tennis team for the past three seasons, takes over for Jill Breslin.
Mauro has met the challenge of keeping his team motivated to repeat as conference champion with a fresh approach to practice, complete with plenty of drills and competition. After a successful fall schedule, the Owls are hungry to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Junior Elyse Steiner, who transferred from Maryland prior to last spring, headlines the returnees. Steiner compiled an 8-4 mark last spring, which included five wins at #1 singles. This fall, Steiner was 4-5 in tournament competition, playing in the top flights at each event.
"I expect Elyse to play number one for us," Mauro said. "She has an all-around game with a big serve, and I expect great things from her."
Sophomore Lucie Pazderova recorded a 12-6 overall record last season, going 9-2 at third singles for the Owls. She was perfect at A-10s in singles and added a 12-6 overall mark in doubles as well.
"Lucie has a great all-court game," Mauro said. "She had some big wins last year and some tough losses, so we're looking for her to be a little more consistent this season."
Junior Anastasiia Rukavyshnykova won her final six matches of the season last year, and led the team with a 14-6 record. She compiled the best fall record of any TU player, going 8-1 in four tournaments.
"Anastasiia is a very talented player," Mauro said. "She has a tremendous backhand and is tenacious on the court."
Junior Christine Clermont saw most of her time at third or fourth singles in 2007-08 and will challenge to move up the lineup. The Miami Shores, FL native also teamed with Rukavyshnykova to compile a team-best 12-2 doubles record.
"Christine improved tremendously this fall," Mauro said. "She hits the ball cleaner than anyone we have. Her first serve is a real weapon in her game."
Senior Felicia Frazier held down the sixth singles position last season, going 9-1 at that spot and 9-3 overall. She missed most of the fall, but went 2-1 at the final event at Dartmouth.
"Felicia is the best baseliner we have," Mauro said. "She hits a two-handed forehand and two-handed backhand and can compete with anyone."
Sophomore Theresa Stangl was a perfect 6-0 in tournament play this fall after making a big jump from her freshman year, when she saw action in eight matches, going 4-4 at fifth and sixth singles.
"Theresa possesses great skills," Mauro said. "She has great hands, can serve and volley, and is working on her mental game. I believe she is up to the challenge of breaking into the lineup."
Sophomore Josephine Bergman saw action last season at fifth and sixth singles, going 5-3 overall. She played regularly in the fall and recorded a 4-2 record.
"Josephine has a pro-style game," Mauro said. "We changed a few things with her serve and expect that to really help her."
Sophomore Stephany Almonsa and junior Monique Peterson add depth.
The schedule should prepare the Owls for another run at the A-10 title. Visits to Ivy League powers Princeton, Cornell, Dartmouth and Columbia highlight the slate, while regular season meetings with conference rivals Richmond, Massachusetts, Saint Joseph's and George Washington should give the Cherry and White an indication of how difficult its title defense will be.
