MSU Women's Tennis Travels to Eck Classic
10/14/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Oct. 14, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State women's tennis team will finish its fall season this weekend, Friday (Oct. 14) through Sunday (Oct. 17) at the Eck Classic, hosted by Notre Dame. Also competing at the tournament will be Kansas, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Virginia.
The Eck Classic replaces the familiar Bronco Invitational, which the team had competed at in previous years, on the MSU fall schedule.
"Our team is looking forward to playing the Eck Classic," said head coach Tim Bauer. "We're expecting the level of competition will be excellent and will pose some new challenges that will further our team's development."
Spartans Bring Home Championships
The 2004 fall season has seen two championship titles for the Spartans, as senior Keri Thompson (Clark Lake, Mich.) captured the "Blue" singles title at the Wolverine Classic, and sophomore Sarah Andrews (Darwin, Australia) clinched the "B"singles title at The Yonex Spartan Cup. The two also teamed up in doubles and finished third at the Wolverine Classic.
"So far this fall, our team has had its best start ever," said Bauer. "We're seeing great results with Keri Thompson and Sarah Andrews winning championships and also recording some good doubles victories. Keri and Sarah have had breakthrough fall efforts. We've also had some great individual wins from many other Spartans in tournament play which shows evidence of the depth of our current program."
First Impressions
This year the Spartans have four new additions to their roster including three freshmen and one sophomore. Freshman Christine Bader (Okemos, Mich.) has already begun to see the effects of hard work as she competed well at both The Yonex Spartan Cup and Wolverine Classic.
Sophomore MacKenzie Hanna (Kalamazoo, Mich.) found herself with her first victory as a Spartan as she defeated Flavia Micati of Eastern Michigan in a non-draw match at The Yonex Spartan Cup.
"We are seeing some great growth in individual match play," said Bauer. "Christine Bader has shown that she can compete against top college talent"
Comeback Kids
Senior Karen Gustafson has found herself back on the courts this season after recovering from an injury which prevented her from seeing any playing time during the 2003-04 season. Junior Shelley Brady (Grand Blanc, Mich.) is scheduled to make her return this weekend after recovering from knee surgery this past spring.
Practice Makes Perfect
"Overall, fall practices have been very spirited," commented Bauer. "I am enthused to see that our team is not only learning to prepare well though good practice habits, but that they've found a way to understand and enjoy the process better. Our team is excited to compete this weekend and we are all very optimistic about the upcoming season."
Results will be posted each day of tournament play. Next week the team will head to the ITA Midwest Regional tournament in Minneapolis, Minn.
