The Bears lost number 2 and 3 players Elizabeth Schultz and Amy Richardson from last year’s squad.  The two combined to win four singles matches and four doubles victories. 

Returning this season for the Bears is #1 player and all-conference honoree Veronica Lerch.  Lerch, a sophomore, went 3-6 last season in singles play and was involved in 3 doubles victories.  Also returning are seniors Beth Eichelberger, Ashley Fender, and Andrea Rader and sophomores Jennifer Henry and Megan Spencer.  Spencer who won four singles matches played the fourth spot last season.  Henry played #5 and won 3 singles matches.  Spencer and Henry will be looked to move up and replace the vacant number 2 and 3 players’ spots this season. 

“The tennis team should see a huge improvement from the previous season,” said Head Coach Billy Levi.  “We’re going to be a lot more competitive against teams that easily beat us in the past.  Most of our players don’t have a tremendous amount of competitive experience, but they’ve worked very hard on learning to build and play points.” 

Newcomers this season include freshmen Teal Rausch (Napoleon, OH), Sabrina Taylor (Portsmouth, OH), and Jessica Waugh (New Boston, OH).  Rausch, earned 2^nd team all-conference honors and was a district qualifier.  Taylor, was a four-year letter winner in tennis and basketball.  Waugh, earned 1^st Team All-SOC honors and also earned All-Ohio honors twice in basketball.  “With the new freshmen the squad will have more depth than previous seasons,” said Coach Levi. 

2006 Outlook