Feb. 13, 2007

WOMEN’S TENNIS: Lutes Open 2007 With Two NWC Matches

THIS WEEK: Pacific Lutheran at Pacific, Friday, 3:30 p.m.; Pacific Lutheran at Lewis and Clark, Saturday, 10 a.m.

FIRST MATCH: The Lutes, with six key returnees, start of the 2007 season this weekend with a pair of Northwest Conference matches on the road against Pacific University and Lewis and Clark College. The first match is against the Boxers at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Forest Grove, Ore., followed by a match against the Pioneers at 10 a.m. Saturday in Portland, Ore.

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Pacific Lutheran women’s tennis team is expecting to contend for a Northwest Conference title this season. To do that, the Lutes will have to defeat Linfield, which has won the last five straight NWC titles. Because of the large number of returning players, head coach Janel McFeat said that she “expects this to be a big year for us.” The key returnees are Nicole Petrzelka, Erika Feltus, Roz Currie, Bria Smith and Liz Currey. In addition, junior Megan Proffitt, who did not play last year but as a freshman earned first team Northwest Conference honors, is also playing this year. “It will be interesting to see who will be in the top six this year because everyone is talented and plays with heart,” said McFeat. Petrzelka, a senior, was last year’s number one singles player, compiling a 16-7 record. Smith, a senior, last year’s number three, garnered a 14-10 record. That duo will be looked upon for their strong senior leadership. Feltus, a junior, shows to be a top contender for the number one spot as well after amassing an 18-5 record last year. Liz Currey shows to be strong as well, compiling a record of 13-6 in conference last year. She will battle for a top six position. Doubles look to be strong as well. Feltus and Petrzelka compiled a 15-7 record last year and could be among the top doubles teams in the Northwest Conference. Rounding out the rest of the team are Ashley Brooks, Ashley Coats, Ashley Opdyke and Tracy Fujitani. “In order for us to become the top team in conference we need to be mentally tough, in great condition, and get one more ball over than our opponent,” said McFeat. “It sounds simple, but it is anything but.”

- PLU -