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Show WOME M S 'TENNIS Sports Openings The Daily Utah Women's Tennis Gearing Up for Return Trip to NGAAs-- , First Ever Tourney Win? EricWalden Chronicle Sports Writer Widespread uncertainty is the most defining characteristic of the women's tennis team. There are only five athletes who have committed to play at this point (two of whom are newcomers from Sweden), and both head coach John Tsumas and assistant Linda are out of the country on a . recruiting trip. , In the meantime, however, those who are with the team will no doubt be seeking some redemption from a season marred by a lack of unity and motivation, which kept the team from achieving its potenEng-blo- m tial. Anna Svedenhov, a former in doubles competition and one of four seniors on last year's team, is working as a special assistant to the team this summer in Tsumas' and Engblom's absence. Though her position is temporary and unofficial, she is more than qualified to comment on both the past and present states of the team.. "We had some good wins, but it was frustrating that not everyone could come together," she laments. "We had a really good team, but there was a lack of commitment at " times." With at least half of last season's team not returning, Svedenhov hopes that the 1998-9- 9 squad can and motivation consistent develop commitment. "I think they can do well, but they're going to have a lot of pressure on them," she claims. "It's just a matter of sticking to it." She cites mainstays Megan Payne, Molly Sanderson and Heidi Thomas as the ones who will have to pick up the slack. "Megan will probably play at the an ' "That's going to be tough," acknowledges Svedenhov. "It's going to be difficult for them with so little experience." Indeed, Sanderson will be the lone senior on this team. impart her knowledge to the players. Ultimately, both Svedenhov and Sanderson hope this team will not emulate last year's team in its performance. "Sometimes we had a hard time getting motivated," said Sanderson. "Many times last year we didn't play our best. We did well, but we could have done better." Svedenhov echoes that sentiment by adding, "We should have been a top thirty team last year." The Utes finished ranked No. 53. And while that is respectable, it certainly was a disappointment to "Tennis is so experience-oriented,- " she said. "It's going to be tough. It forces us to step up." They will have to rely perhaps more than ever on their coaching staff in order to compensate for such a lack of leadership and experience. Fortunately, they have the utmost confidence in their coaches. "John is great," said Sanderson. "It's awesome to have a coach who knows everything you could ever want to know about tennis." Engblom, a former standout for the Utes, will be replacing the departed Ruth Ann Escobedo, herself a former at Utah. " "We really loved Ruth Ann," said Sanderson. "She had great knowledge and experience, so losing her is hard. But Engblom knows a lot about the game. It should be great. I got along great with her as a player; hopefully it won't change much with her as a coach." both Svedenhov and Sanderson. And while so many questions exist concerning the remainder of this year's roster, they both believe that with the current members of the squad, an atonement for last season is not only possible but probable. "It's a possibility for them to be top 30 or 40," says Svedenhov. "That's definitely possible," agrees Sanderson, "if everyone comes together as a team. It's hard to come out consistently every day and play exactly the way you want to, but if everyone plays to the best Svedenhov cautioned that the of their abilities..." If everyone plays to the best of their abilities, the Utes may be able to put last year's bad memories behind them. players must make the distinction between Engblom's old role as a player and friend and her new role as a coach in order for her to r number one spot," Svedenhov believes. "Megan was struggling sometimes at number three, so she has to pick up her game." In spite of Payne's struggles last year, Svedenhov believes, "Megan can rise to the occasion if she gets a little bit more leadership." As for Sanderson, Payne's doubles partner who did not play sin- Chronicle - S17 '"Mi) o y Heidi Thomas will need to raise her level of play for the Utes this season. GET THIS QUARTER'S nEXT BOO CIS ME2 It's a simple offer: Work at Dan's Foods in Ruby's Delicatessen or as a night stocker this semester and Dan's will pay you a competitive wage, give you flexible hours, and Dan's will buy your textbooks (up to $150.00). FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 583-326- 7 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY gles last year, Svedenhov raved. "Molly really stepped up. She really worked hard on her doubles game," said Svedenhov. "By the end of the year she was just rocking in doubles." Thomas simply needs to work on her consistency. "She had a really good beginning 'W. ' : , ' Student must work at Dan's throughout the quarter or semester a minimum of 20 hours per week in the delicatessen (must be age 18) or as a night stocker, and pass all classes for which textbooks are being paid. Reimbursement for textbooks is made at the close of the quarter. When the quarter is completed, report card and textbook receipts (or actual textbooks) must be presented for reimbursement (reimbursement limited to a maximum of $150.00). This offer may be terminated at the end of any quarter or semester as Dan's Foods, Inc. but couldn't find a rhythm at the end of the year," said Svedenhov. "She needs to develop more consistency." Sanderson reiterated that statement by saying, "Heidi will do better with more experience." It is not yet known if Linda Petcrsson, who was with the team last year, will return to the team or go back to her native Sweden. "She just got really homesick," says Svedenhov. "I hope she comes back. I truly do. She would be a good influence on everyone because she loves to practice hard. Her work ethic is tremendous it really stands out." Things will not be easy for this year's team after losing so many experienced players. J 1360 S. Foothill Drive to be the No. Megan Payne is expected 1 singles player for the Utes. |
