Aug. 9, 2006

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Although the number of players on the roster is small, the Lewis University women's tennis team features a seasoned group of veterans who will work hard to make the 2006-07 season a successful one.

The Flyers return their top four players from last year's team that posted records of 11-5 overall and 4-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Lewis finished fifth at the GLVC Championship tournament, recovering from a first-round loss to win its next two matches.

"Our goals are to be one of the top two teams in the GLVC East Division and finish in the top half at the conference tournament," head coach Jill Siegfried said. "I believe we can realize those goals because we have a very good group of student athletes who always give a great effort."

Juniors Allison Schmitz and Erin Piechocinski, sophomore Jordan Lynde and senior Katie Popp occupied the first four positions in the Flyers' singles lineup a year ago.

Schmitz registered a 12-2 mark at No. 1 singles - leading the team in singles wins and winning percentage - and was selected to the All-GLVC team for a second consecutive year in 2005-06. She and Lynde teamed for an 11-4 record at No. 1 doubles.

"Allison isn't resting on her laurels," Siegfried said. "She worked hard and practiced a lot during the summer. I expect her to contribute much the same as she did in her first two seasons."

Piechocinski, 8-6 at No. 2 singles last season, looks to make an even bigger impact this year. She and Schmitz are slated to be the Flyers' No. 1 doubles unit.

"Erin is as talented as any player on the team, and also very competitive," Siegfried said. "She's capable of having an outstanding season."

Although encountering a bumpy road at times playing primarily No. 3 singles last year, Lynde impressed Siegfried by making solid progress throughout her freshman season.

"Jordan made the transition to college tennis pretty well in the fall, then enjoyed a really good spring," Siegfried said. "I look for her to fill the No. 3 spot again."

Popp tallied a 10-3 ledger at No. 4 singles and a 13-3 record at No. 3 doubles last season, tying Schmitz for the team lead in total victories. Siegfried attributes much of Popp's success to the senior's tenacity.

"Katie probably is the fiercest competitor on the team," Siegfried said. "She's also a smart player who picks out her opponent's weaknesses and does whatever she can to stay in a match."

Senior Vicky Orlova and sophomore Michelle Wright will have to fill significant roles for the Flyers this season after serving as backups.

"Vicky works hard and is looking to conclude her career on a high note," Siegfried said. "Michelle is looking forward to stepping into the starting lineup and making a contribution."

The Flyers will play a lighter-than-usual fall schedule, as the conference season and GLVC Championship tournament have been moved to spring.

"Moving conference to spring will be interesting," Siegfried said. "We're used to coming back to school in August and preparing to play conference opponents immediately. I really don't know what to expect this first year, but I know our players will be prepared to do their best."