The gentle approach is the way freshman Daniela Corrales gets the ball back over the net. Corrales won her first match against Henderson State as the number five seed. She ended the season with a record of 21 wins and four losses. Photo by Daniel Dubois r OVERLOOK The women's tennis team used its successful season to establish itself as a powerful force in the conference as well as in the nation, according to coach David Elliott. The team was comprised of relatively young athletes; there were, in fact, no senior women in the group. However, players managed to push their way to a 21-7 record and a spot in the national tournament. "We were strong in the NAIA, but it took a while to establish ourselves in the new conference," Elliott said. In the Gulf South Conference, the team earned the rank of third, behind West Florida University (first) and Ouachita Baptist University (second). In post-season play, the team hit the road for the national tournament in Savannah, Ga. Ranked 181 h nationally, the team traveled 600 miles to battle the team ranked l11 h in the nation. The underdog team upset number 11 Kennesaw State, going on to play Armstrong Atlantic. In the second round of play, the women fell to this fourth-ranked team. However, this loss was no discouragement to the team. "Now we have a lot more experience," Elliott said. "They are hungry to repeat [the successes]." Elliott also said that the other teams in the conference can no longer consider the Lady Bisons the "new kids on the block." "Now they know we're the real McCoy," he said. Looking to the upcoming season, Elliott said the team hopes to avoid the "injury bug." The team faced minor injuries during the season, but managed to recover. Elliott also said that every member would be back next season, adding experience to the group's wealth of talent. The team will now be able to boast two senior athletes on the roster. Finally, Elliott had much to say of the team's "great" attitude. "The team is very team-oriented and easily coached," Elliott said "Overall, this is a high water-mark team." Rookie team member Sara Campbell said that being part of the team is one of the main reasons she plays for this university. "I love spending time with the team," Campbell said. "We all have such a great time together in practice." -Lyndsey Lewis Photo by Daniel Dubois women's tennis 253
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