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2005 Season Outlook It was another successful Cedarville University women’s tennis season last spring. But at the beginning of the 2005 campaign, the question is how far will this squad go with only two of the top six players returning? CU is coming off an 18-4 campaign which matched the school record for the most victories in a season. The Jackets won their third consecutive NAIA Region IX championship, second AMC title in three years and later won their first-ever match at the NAIA National Tournament. Head coach Pam Johnson, now in her 29th year at the helm of the Lady Jackets, is still optimistic about the upcoming season. “This will be an exciting season for women’s tennis at Cedarville as we look toward building a new team with our four veterans and six rookies.” stated Johnson. “We’ve had a great preseason of practice, conditioning and Bible studies.”
The two top players back are junior Jodi Kraker, who played in the #2 singles position, and senior Jolene (Nourse) Bennington, who held down the #6 singles spot. Kraker, an NCCAA All-America First Team selection in singles and doubles, recorded a 6-10 singles mark while tallying a 12-6 record performing at the #1 doubles position. She also earned AMC South Division honors in both singles and doubles. Kraker will play in either the #1 or #2 singles slot this spring. Bennington posted a 15-5 singles mark to up her career record to 32-16. She saw limited doubles action finishing with a 4-2 mark and is working hard to give solid leadership to this year’s young squad. Fellow senior Courtney Ruffin brings quality experience and upperclass leadership to the 2005 Lady Jackets. She recorded a 3-0 mark in singles action last season and an impressive 16-3 record playing at #3 doubles. Junior Colleen Derry, also a member of the women’s soccer team, is the only other returning player. She continues to develop her game and will seek to break into the regular lineup. Derry registered a 3-0 mark playing in a limited singles role last spring.
Six newcomers to Cedarville women’s tennis will be counted on heavily to make vital contributions. Highlighting that list is Alisa Rutt, a first-year player from Strasburg, PA. She was a two-time all-star performer and could battle for the top singles position. Laura McCully is a sophomore transfer from Grand Rapids, MI. McCully, who brings along a wealth of high school tennis experience, placed third in the state tournament her senior season while also capturing a regional title. Jade Burley, a freshman from Highland, IN, will also add experience to the squad after a solid high school career. Olivia Dolph, a rookie from Cedarville, OH, joins the team after a two-year career at nearby Southeastern High School. Melinda Workman from Tipp City, OH, adds valuable experience as a 2004 state tournament doubles participant. Freshman Alisa Yetter from LaGrange Park, IL will add depth and athletic ability to the roster. “Our challenge this year will be to overcome the graduation loss of two experienced four-year players.” commented Coach Johnson. “But it will be exciting to funnel the energy of the younger players into seasoned, productive players as quickly as possible. “Ultimately, we want to bring honor to Christ through what we do and say on and off the court,” added the veteran coach, “Our goals will focus on growing in the Lord, representing Cedarville University and competing well.” The Lady Jackets host eight dual home matches this spring and face AMC South Division members Malone, Ohio Dominican, Shawnee State, Tiffin and Walsh. A difficult non-conference schedule includes re-matches from last year against Spring Hill AL, Judson AL, Bethel IN, Georgetown KY, Taylor IN and NCAA III Wittenberg OH. | ||||||||
