Women’s tennis team enters season with high expectations

By Zach Gray | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Flagler College women’s tennis team enters the 2011 season with high hopes for improving upon last year’s 14-8 record.

The Saints’ impressive 2010 campaign came to an end at the hands of conference rival Francis Marion in the second round of the Division II Southeast Regional Tournament. Despite the loss, the team is ranked No. 16 in the 2011 Campbell’s/ITA Division II Preseason poll and expects even bigger accomplishments this year.

“We have very high expectations for the team and we have made a lot of changes for the better,” senior Lauren Pfeiffer said. “With the new training programs and our new sense of confidence on the court, I believe we are a force to be reckoned with this season.”

Among the many changes made to this year’s team was the acquisition of Nachell Proctor, a transfer junior from Hillsborough Community College. At Hillsborough, Proctor was part of a squad that placed third in the 2010 Junior College National Tournament.

“Nachell is a great addition to our team and she will definitely help us out a lot this year,” senior Deon Miller said.

The team’s high expectations will be challenged by a very formidable Peach Belt Conference. Along with Flagler, the conference garners six other schools in the preseason Top 50, including three-time defending national champion and top-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State University.

“The Peach Belt is very tough,” Pfeiffer said. “There are a lot of really great competitors in the conference, but I believe we are right there at the top.”

The Saints opened the season at No. 10 Rollins University on Feb. 14, which they lost 8-1. The home opener will be Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. against conference rival Georgia Southwestern University.