Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 16, 1993 TAG: 9309180092
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The Pulaski County High School girls' tennis team will offer something for everyone this year.
For the returning veterans, it offers another chance to defeat an old nemesis.
For the new players, it offers a chance to be part of an up-and-coming program.
And for the team as a whole, the season offers a chance to improve on last year's 5-5 record and third-place finish in the Roanoke Valley District.
"I think we truly have a shot at a top spot this year," third-year coach Gina Miano says. "We have some good, young talent. The team has a real great attitude. I think we can be a top contender."
Some of the Cougars' talent is in the form of five returning players. Included in that group are three seniors who were the team's top singles players last year: Stacy Van Sise at No. 1; Carla Sayers at No. 2; and Meg Folesom at No. 3.
Also back are juniors Ashley Sypniewski and Andriea Pruitt. Neither played much in the starting singles ladder last season.
"We're young; we've got only five upperclassmen," Sayers said. "I think we'll do OK."
For these players, beating the two teams that finished ahead of the Cougars last year - 1992 Roanoke Valley District champion Patrick Henry and Cave Spring - would let them accomplish something they have yet to do.
"I want to be able to beat PH or Cave Spring at least one time before my career is over," Van Sise says. "I'd like that. It would be really great."
To do it, the Cougars will need help from some of the younger members of their squad.
"We've got some good players," sophomore Ashley Hutchens says. "We [the younger players] have some experience. We hope to have a chance to play some. There are five people back and 12 people on the team. So there will be some chance to get [match] experience."
At least one of the sophomores and freshmen on the team will be a regular member of the lineup. Miano says she's looking forward to having the new players' skills.
"We'll be able to fill out the lineup with six good players," Miano says. "Before, we've had two or three good players and then there's been a drop-off. This year, we'll have six players who can be competitive at their position [on the ladder]. We won't have a No. 10 player playing at [No.] 6."
Pulaski County begins its quest for a top spot this afternoon at Franklin County.
The Cougars get their first chance at one of the teams that finished in front of them last season Mondaywhen they visit Cave Spring.
Their other opportunities will be Sept. 30 at Patrick Henry; Oct. 7 when Cave Spring visits; and Oct. 18 when they play host to PH.
by CNB