March 2, 2009

YORK, PA - The York College women’s tennis team prepares for the 2009 season under second-year head coach Ryan Weber, looking to continue to build a solid program. Weber led the Spartans to a 5-10 record last year, playing numerous matches determined by two courts or less. York concluded last season winning three of their final five matches.
     “Last season was a learning experience for our student-athletes and me,” Weber said. “We fought through some tough matches and really started to get it going in the end.”
     The Spartans return their entire starting lineup from their 2008 campaign. The experience and cohesiveness they gained last year should prove useful as they enter a new season. Leading the way for York are seniors Keturah Buchanan, Megan Logan, and Heidi Acker. Buchanan, last year’s #1 singles player, battled to a 5-10 record while facing the other teams top opponents. Her resiliency and dynamic approach make her a tough opponent heading into 2009. Logan, York’s #3 singles player, provided the Spartans with six quality wins with her patient approach to dismantling her opponent. Acker, who spent her time as the #4 singles player, provided the Spartans with their best individual record last season of 9-6.     
     “The three seniors Keturah, Megan, and Heidi are all very intelligent players who have given the team quality victories throughout their time on the squad. Keturah is laid back on the court, but is able to attack the net with great success while Megan can play to an opponent’s weakness very well. Heidi is one of the most determined people I've ever met and gives 100 percent every time she goes on the court. They are the backbone of the team and give us a lot of depth.”
     Juniors Paige Doutrich and Caralyn Caruso, as well as sophomore Stephanie Nelson, reinforce the singles lineup heading into 2009. As York’s #2 last year, Doutrich gained valuable match-play experience and is looking to improve upon 2008’s results. Hard-hitters Caruso and Nelson will be competing for quality time in the singles lineup.    
     “Paige has worked extremely hard during the off-season to improve her game in regards to consistency and patience and played some of her best tennis this past fall,” Weber raved. “Her results should definitely improve from last year. Caralyn and Steph should rack up a lot of victories in our lineup and both have proven to be as mentally tough as anyone on the squad.”
     New additions to the Green and White are freshmen Katelyn Acker, Bryana Kiser, and Samantha Brenner. Each of them will provide depth to the squad with Acker expected to instantly impact the Spartans’ starting lineup.
     “Katelyn is a great addition to the squad and has the ability to make an immediate impact at the top of our lineup,” Weber said. “She hits a big, heavy ball and should be able to match-up well against the other teams top players. Bryana and Samantha will provide the team with depth while working towards getting into the lineup.”
     Weber has numerous options in doubles action heading into the year. The duo of Buchanan and Logan posted a 4-2 mark in 2008 including a 3-2 record at #2 doubles. Doutrich and Nelson won six times, while dominating the third doubles position with a 5-1 record. The Acker sisters should factor into the doubles equation as well, giving the Spartans quality throughout the doubles lineup.
     “We have solid players who can make a real impact in doubles this year,” Weber said. “We have significant experience and talent in our doubles players that will bode well for us throughout the season.”
     With all of that experience and talent on the court in 2009, Weber believes that this could be one of the Spartans’ best campaigns to date.
     “I have very high hopes for this season. We have not lost anyone from last year who posted significant court time and we gained several talented student-athletes that have really strengthened the squad. I think we will have a much improved season as we continue to build this program.”
     The Spartans kick off their 2009 slate with a trip to Hilton Head, S.C. The Green and White will open up against Meredith on Sunday, March 1, at 12:00 pm.

Photo of senior Keturah Buchanan

The 2009 Women's Tennis preview was written by Paul Graci - York College Sports Information Student Intern