Lady Billies to field competitive tennis team
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South girls tennis coach Richard Phillips doesn't have any idea how other teams in ECIC Division III look, but he is sure his team will be ready to go.

"I think we'll be competitive with everyone," said Phillips. "We beat everyone at least once last year except for Williamsville East, so I'm sure we'll have a chance this year to win the (division) title, or at least be in the top three."

South, 8-4 in ECIC III and 8-6 overall last year, has an even better shot at a division crown than East, who dominated the league in 2006 and moved up to ECIC II. Prior to last season, South had won ECIC III four straight times.

However, Phillips will be fielding new starters at first singles, first doubles and second doubles.

Sophomore Ellen Meyers, the team's second singles from last year, will start at first singles. Meyers has started somewhere in the lineup since seventh grade. Meyers replaces Rosanna Dziama, who graduated.

"Her forehand is much improved from last year," said Phillips.

Junior Stephanie Berland moves from third singles to second singles. It's Berland's third year as a starting player.

Phillips said junior Kira Pritchard, a first doubles player last year, has moved up to third singles but is injured and may not play at the beginning of the season.

South's second doubles team from last year, juniors Katy Falleta and Katie Dukarm, have moved up to first doubles, although one of them will have to fill in at third singles until Pritchard can play, Phillip said.

Freshman Joanna Ostroot and senior Justine Duquette will play the second doubles spot. Until Pritchard is ready to play, Phillips said he will probably use junior Lydia Seidler at second doubles.

Pritchard, Berland and Meyers are the team captains.

Overall, Phillips said the team is well-balanced, similar to last year.

"The winning points may come from a variety of positions this year," said Phillips.

Phillips said team goals are to play up to their potential, improve as the year goes on, and to have fun playing tennis.
South 2007 Schedule
9-12 at Amherst ................ 4 p.m.

9-14 at Cheektowaga ....... 4 p.m.
9-17 Depew........................ 4 p.m.
9-19 Maryvale .................... 4 p.m.
9-21 at Starpoint ............... 4 p.m.
9-24 Amherst ..................... 4 p.m.
9-25 East Aurora............... 4 p.m.

9-26 Cheektowaga ............ 4 p.m.
9-28 at Depew ................... 4 p.m.
10-1 at Maryvale ............... 4 p.m.
10-3 Starpoint.................... 4 p.m.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com