Women's Tennis Opens Spring Play at Illinois

Jan. 18, 2008

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette women's tennis team will open spring play with a dual match at Illinois Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Atkins Tennis Center at Noon.

Head coach Jody Bronson, in her 23rd year at Marquette, is excited to return to competition after a successful fall campaign.

"We have had a good two weeks of practice full of enthusiasm and our players are ready to compete," said Bronson. "This is the most competitive team I have seen in years, and they are committed to working together and working hard. We need players to step up Saturday and start the spring off on the right note. We are excited and ready to play."

Three seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen bolster the veteran Golden Eagle squad.

Overall, sophomore Elly Strother, who is 4-3 on the season in singles, and Rachael Hush, who is 4-7 heading into the weekend, lead the Golden Eagles in the wins column.

In doubles, the duos of seniors Shannon Brown and Maria Calbeto, and the dynamic freshmen combo of Rachel Hush/Christina Ruiz both own a team-leading three wins heading into the 2008 dual season.

Illinois is 7-1 all-time against the Golden Eagles in a series that began in 1988. Last season it came down to the final match for the Illini to edge the Golden Eagles, 4-3.

Marquette will host Ohio State for the Golden Eagles' home opener on Friday, Jan. 25, at Helfaer Tennis Stadium.