Sharks hope to continue winning tennis tradition
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Under new coach Tricia Townsell, the Sacred Heart girls tennis team looks towards continuing its success in the Monsignor Martin Association.

The Sharks finished 10-1 last year and have traditionally been one of the better teams in the MMA.

The team is led by senior captain and first singles player, Courtney Conway. Conway played third singles last year and qualified for All-Catholics. This year, she will start at first singles.

"She's a solid player with an incredible serve and strong forehand and backhand strokes," said Townsell.

Behind Conway at second singles is junior Emily Rodgers, who helped the Sharks' first doubles team to a second place finish at last year's All-Catholics. Rodgers is a returning All-Catholic first-team selection.

"She has a graceful game and puts a lot of top spin on the ball," said Townsell.

Junior Kelly Mroz, a reserve last year, starts at third singles.

Senior captains Nora Balon and Margo Casciano start at first doubles while junior Siobhan Brady and freshman Kristen Przybala are penciled in at second doubles. Townsell said both teams play well together.

Other members of the team are juniors Christina Douglas and Karen Schuster, sophomores Marybeth Pandolfino and Bethany Wattengel and freshmen Savannah Lussier and Clara Wu.

"I think we have a strong team," said Townsell. "We have some younger players who are developing their game so in years to come, we won't be heavy on top (an all-senior class)."

The team has only played in one match, losing to Mt. St. Mary's, 3-2, on April 8, but Townsell said the team has been supportive of each other since they started practicing a month ago at the Village Glen Tennis Club.

"They're fun and great to work with," said Townsell.

Sacred Heart returns to action at 4 p.m. on Wednesday when they host Mt. Mercy at the Clearfield Recreation Center Courts.
Sacred Heart 2008 Schedule
4-23 Mt. Mercy .................. 4 p.m.

4-24 at Nardin (Mang Park) 4 p.m.
4-28 St. Mary's of Lancaster 4 p.m.
4-29 Buffalo Seminary ..... 4 p.m.
5-1 at Park ......................... 4 p.m.
5-6 at St. Mary's of Lancaster
(Como Park) ..................... 4 p.m.
5-8 Nardin .......................... 4 p.m.
5-13 Holy Angels............... 4 p.m.
5-15 at Buffalo Seminary (Buffalo
State College).................... 4 p.m.
5-27-31 All-Catholics (Miller Tennis
Center ............... ) 6 to 9 p.m.
*All home matches are at
Clearfield Recreation Center
courts.