Head coach Luke Jensen hopes the core of his team, sophomores Katlyn Haycock, Simone Kalhorn, Christina Tan and Jacquelynn Tang will serve as the backbone for the Orange's 2009 campaign.
Countdown to the Court: Two Days
1/21/2009 3:07:15 PM | Tennis
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the 2009 tennis season is just two days away, the sophomore class in addition to SU's first home opponent, Niagara, will be previewed. The Orange's first match of the year is at Colgate on Friday, Jan. 23 at 4 pm. The first battle at Drumlins Tennis Center comes against Niagara on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 1 pm with another matinee versus Binghamton is in store for Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 pm. Admission is free to anyone who wishes to cheer on the Orange.
Syracuse, under the guidance of head coach Luke Jensen, entertains the Purple Eagles after compiling an 11-14 overall mark in 2008 with an 8-7 record in the BIG EAST. The Orange finished tied for seventh in the conference. SU looks to build upon the momentum it mounted at the end of its regular season after the team defeated four of its last five opponents.
In 2009, Jensen will be joined on the sideline by assistant coach Shelley George and volunteer assistant coach Chuck Wiggins.
Syracuse's class of sophomores is the fiber of this year’s lineup. Sophomores Katlyn Haycock, Simone Kalhorn, Christina Tan and Jacquelynn Tang personify what this season’s team is striving to accomplish.
“The sophomores are the backbone of the band,” Jensen said. “The tough lessons learned in the classroom and tennis court have established what Syracuse tennis is all about. Their courage, confidence and work ethic are second to none.”
Tang registered the best solo record among the class, posting a 14-10 mark, and earned a 12-4 record against BIG EAST opponents last year. Tan played all 24 of her singles bouts at the No. 1 position for the Orange last season, posting a 10-14 record, and is prepared to shoulder the responsibility of being a team leader once again. Kalhorn logged two three-match win streaks and posted a 9-15 record at the No. 2 position last season. Haycock is primed to make her presence felt on the court this season after training with SU all of last year. She did not participate in any spring matches, but showed great strides in the 2008 fall session.
Exploring the Purple Eagles (0-0, 0-0)
•Niagara finished 2008 with an 8-12 overall record but went 6-1 in MAAC action.
•After the Colgate clash, NU will be Syracuse’s second opponent of the season. It will be the first match for Niagara.
•Last time out, SU manhandled the Purple Eagles in a 7-0 sweep.
•Niagara is led by ninth-year head coach Paul Calkins. Calkins has fashioned a 107-67 career record.
Christina Tan pummeled Raquel Solis, 6-0, 6-2, at the No. 1 spot while Jacquleynn Tang nixed Victroia Tiso, 6-2, 6-1, in the No. 5 position. Simone Kalhorn and Tan eradicated the duo of Vanja Lakic and Shella Dargout, 8-6, in doubles action.
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