Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 13, 1995 TAG: 9504130028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
The Bobcats will revamp from the top down this season. First year coach Maureen Weyer will field a squad that features four juniors, seven sophomores and a freshman, while trying to endure the loss of last season's top four players.
"This is a young team, but the girls know the tradition," Weyer said. "I'd like them not to think about it. I would like the team to play as best they can, if they do that, the wins will come."
While this may be Weyer's first year as a head coach, she is hardly unfamiliar with the game. She played four years at Radford University (it was Radford College at the time), and was an assistant coach there for five years.
"One of the reasons I came here was the challenge of being a head coach," Weyer said. "I felt this was a good opportunity to do that."
Despite the Bobcats' inexperience, there is reason to believe this squad has a chance to advance to post-season play. The top-seeded singles player for Radford will be Mandy Harless, who has a solid all-around game. The sophomore is an intelligent player, and will only improve as she gains experience, according to Weyer.
Junior Britt Osborne will play No. 2 singles, and rely on her consistency and quickness to win matches. Fellow junior Leslie Adkins will play No. 3 singles and feature a powerful attack. Mandy's twin sister, Ashley Harless, will play in the fourth singles slot, and Erin Yopp will play No. 5.
The Bobcats have an interesting duo at No. 6 singles. The sister combination of Jessica and Ivonne Reed will split duties in that spot so that both will have the opportunity to play and contribute. Carolyn Gaskins will attempt to unseat the sisters.
"They [the team] have talent but not much experience, and this year will provide that," Weyer said. "I want to take the pressure off them. They need to play each point instead of a game or a match. I want them to be in the here-and-now as opposed to the past or future."
At Shawsville, Coach Jeff Steuart's team hopes to continue its steady improvement and mount a successful challenge to the Bobcats in the Three Rivers District. The program has improved in each of its first three seasons and there in no reason to think that trend will not continue.
"We are looking to get over the hump and be competitive with everyone," Steuart said. "The key for our team will be focus and effort in practice. This is the most balanced team we have ever had."
The team will be led by freshman Sarah Hagood, who will play No. 1 singles. Hagood is benefited greatly by her athletic ability and competitiveness. Playing second- and third-singles will be junior Shannon Radford and senior Tresha Taylor.
In Floyd The Buffalos, led by the senior tandem of Laura Harmon and Emily Edwards, are eyeing their first trip to the state tournament. Harmon, the top seed, is a consistent player who wears down opponents. Edwards will rely on a big serve and backhand in her attempts to push Floyd to the top of the TRD.
This figures to be a rebuilding year for the Auburn Eagles with only three returning players from last year's squad. Senior Kim Bishop will play No. 1 singles and be counted on to lead the way for the Eagles. Emily Trivette and Kristen Bishop will play second and third single for Auburn, which has only six team members.
Coming off a 10-2 season last year, Giles looks to be a factor in the TRD. If the Spartans are to make an impression the will have to cope with the loss of last season's top two single players. Senior Kari Jennelle will play at the first singles slot, and Nikki Jennell will play No. 2 singles. The pair, who have played for four years, will have to fill the void left by graduation. Karen Bertram, another fourth-year player, is also expected to be a key contributor.
In the New River District, Blacksburg will look to junior Sarika Singh to lead the way. Singh hits the ball with a lot of pace and needs only to develop more confidence.
Judit Dunas, who will play No. 2 singles, and Meena Batra, the third singles player, bring different styles to the court for the Indians. Dunas hits the ball very hard, while Batra will bring a steady, if unspectacular game, to the court.
Christiansburg has its sights set on a NRD crown, and according to coach Scott Habeeb the team needs only to develop more on-court confidence to become a factor. The Blue Demons are anchored by seniors Amanda Hebling and Alisha Buckner at the top two single positions. Playing No. 3 singles is Michelle Goncz, who has risen from eighth on the depth chart a year ago.
For the Green Wave of Narrows this could be a rebuilding year in the battle against Mountain Empire District foes. Narrows will be a young team, with five sophomores and a freshman, and will concentrate on improving throughout the course of the year.
by CNB