Colorado State University Athletics
Season preview: CSU, Messick excited to showcase experienced roster
8/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Aug. 30, 2010
By Amanda Bader
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The CSU women’s tennis team will return for the 2010-11 season with five of last season’s top six singles players while adding additional depth with two freshmen joining the team.
Last year the Rams showcased a young team, and they lost only one high-level player from that squad, graduated senior Laura Neal. All returning players have potential to play high in the lineup and it is anticipated that there will be a strong level of competition for the top positions.
The 2010-11 CSU schedule will feature seven nationally ranked teams. The Rams are excited to dedicate a spectacular new tennis facility, and welcome several teams to Fort Collins, including a rare fall tournament at home. In addition, CSU will host the 2010-11 Mountain West Conference championships.
The $2 million facility features 12 post-tensioned concrete courts, eight of which are lighted for night play. The facility also offers a 25-foot-wide viewing area, spanning the length of the complex, offering spectator seating for 150 people. Each court is individually enclosed with separate access, while the pavilion offers both men’s and women’s restrooms as well as a team room and storage area.
This season, seniors Caitlin Fluegge and Melissa Holzinger are expected to lead the team.
“Caitlin struggled a little with consistency last year,” Head Coach Jon Messick said, “but she performed at a very high level in several of her strong wins. With a little more confidence she will improve tremendously this year.”
Last season, Tori Arneson and Fluegge combined for 27 singles wins and 17 doubles wins, while Veronika Wojakowska recorded 16 doubles wins.
Holzinger returns after having the best won-loss percentage on the team last year at 16-10. She also began setting records in her first season with the Rams, tying three others with nine dual wins as a No. 6 singles player.
“Melissa led the team last year on the singles court at the No. 4 through 6 positions,” Messick said. “If she can move up in the line up and continue to be successful, she will help elevate the teams performance.”
The Rams also welcome back three juniors, adding additional experience, in Arneson, Lauren Mulhern, and Wojakowska.
“Tori proved last year that she can hang with the top players in our conference,” said Messick. “Look for her to reach her potential this year and contend for all-conference honors.”
Mulhern also had a strong season, carrying the team-high of 17 singles wins last year for the Rams.
“Lauren was by far our most improved player last year,” Messick added. “If she continues to improve at the same rate, she will be a strong contender for the top of our lineup.”
Wojakowska, finishing the season with positive momentum, posted 16 wins with three doubles teammates.
“Veronika has the raw talent and ability to excel this year,” Messick noted. “She has gained valuable experience and confidence that we expect to lead her into a solid year.”
The balance of the lineup for the Rams will include freshmen signees Lauren Pick and Kaley Schultz, talented youngsters expected to step in right away, possibly contributing significantly to the Rams’ success.
“Lauren is a strong all-around player who can develop into a very consistent performer at the college level,” said Messick. “Kaley on the other hand comes from the strong Southern California area. She is used to competing against strong opponents and she also has well-developed skills on the doubles court.”
While last year’s team ended the season eighth in the conference, this year’s team expects to improve upon last season’s performance. Last year’s No. 1 player, Neal, will be the only player not returning, due to graduation. Although her contributions will be missed, this year’s team will be more experienced and as talented as ever.
Players Mentioned
