Jan. 20, 2011
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Completing its final tune-up for the dual-match season, the UCF women's tennis team battled the United States Junior National Team Thursday in an exhibition match at the UCF Tennis Complex. The Knights will now set their sights on their first dual-match at home vs. Florida A&M Saturday at noon. Admission for all fans is free.
"It was a good warm up for the season against probably one of the toughest opponents we will play, and it was a special opportunity to play against some of the best juniors in the world," said head coach Stephanie Nickitas. "I think we're ready for the season. They have done the work on the court, and mentally is where we need to make some strides. The game is 95 percent mental and that separates us from other teams. And if we can do a better job of taking care of `in between our ears' then we are going to see more success this year."
The Black and Gold went 13-7 last season with six different players posting at least 11 singles victories overall in 2009-10. This season, it already has competed in five team tournaments while senior Jenny Frisell took part in the ITA/Rivera All-American Championships in October.
Through tournament play, freshman Josephine Haraldson paces the Knights with a 7-6 singles record, followed by Taylor Dubins, Jenna Doerfler and Genevieve Lorbergs who each have five.
UCF defeated Florida A&M, 7-0, in Tallahassee a year ago, and lead the all-time series with the Rattlers, 15-0.