The 2014 women’s tennis season is almost underway as the team is diligently preparing with workouts and practices. After a losing 2013 season, the team has undergone numerous changes, including the hire of a new coach Eric Hayes.
With an overall record of 5-15 and an Atlantic Sun Conference record of 1-7, the team is looking for a season with much improvement.
Fortunately, the team did not lose any members from last year’s roster and is led by seniors Lucy Payrat and Amanda Bertani. The team should be positively influenced by the addition of transfer Danielle Jones who is likely to compete for a top spot in the lineup.
Isabel Dennis contributed, “He [Hayes] should help us have much better results this year. Our team should be a lot better this year, so hopefully our record won’t be like last year’s. We’re in a lot better shape and also are pushed harder than ever before.”
With a intense fall training season and overall harder preparation, the team is sure of the positive changes likely to come. As the start of the season quickly approaches, excitement within the team is growing.
Mercer women’s tennis begins their season Saturday, Jan. 25, at UNC Wilmington. The team has a total of 21 contests this season, with six home matches.
Conference play for the Bears begins Friday, Mar. 14, against Lipscomb at home. The following day The Bears will challenge Northern Kentucky University, who served as the Bears’ only conference victory last season.
Payrat contributed, “Our new coach is focusing on getting us as fit as possible, and improving our consistency and building a sense of unity between the team.”
The team is very excited for the upcoming season, “We are looking forward to the season with our 8 players and managed by the new coach and two new grad assistants, and we expect to do well this spring season,” Payrat added.
Last season University of North Florida won the tournament, receiving their second consecutive championship win. Other top competitors include Florida Gulf Coast and Stetson University.
The conference tournament takes place in late April, and with only six teams gaining entrance the ultimate goal of the team this season is to make the conference tournament. This is the last season of participation in the Atlantic Sun Conference for Mercer University and exiting on a high is the pursuit of the tennis team.
