NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz Hawks women’s tennis team, guided by 2002 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Coach of the Year Rob Bruley, will attempt to repeat as conference champions this season. Last fall, the Hawks won a school record 13 matches on their way to the school’s first ever league championship in women’s tennis. The Hawks dominated play as four of their singles players and two doubles teams captured conference championships.
The 2003 roster returns six players, including three who won a singles and/or doubles conference championship last year. Junior Kerry Farrell (Rockville Centre, NY) and senior Becky Sparacin (Goshen, NY) will be the team leaders this year. In 2002, Farrell amassed an 11-4 record at the top spot (12-4 overall) and advanced to the semifinals of the SUNYAC Championship. Sparacin is the defending SUNYAC champion at number two singles where she went 13-1 last season (14-1 overall). Farrell and Sparacin are also the defending SUNYAC champions at number one doubles where they compiled an impressive 14-2 record.
The Hawks other reigning SUNYAC champion is junior Amie Larson (Port Jervis, NY) who won the title at number five singles. In 2003, Larson hopes to duplicate her brilliant performance of last year where she went 12-1 at the number five flight (13-1 overall).
Junior Jessica Smith (Newport News, VA) was one half of a dynamic duo last season at number three doubles that accumulated an 11-4 record. Smith and her partner played great tennis throughout the 2002 SUNYAC Tournament at number three doubles before falling in the championship match.
Sophomore Sara Goldstein (Merrick, NY) should improve on her fine 2002 campaign were she recorded a 4-1 singles record, including a 3-0 mark at number four singles. Goldstein also had a 3-2 mark at number two and three doubles.
Sophomore Becky Sands (Norwich, NY) will compete for time on the court while adding spark and energy to an already talented squad.
Five newcomers were brought in by Bruley to help New Paltz defend their title. The lone junior is Amanda Rosario (Bronx, NY) and the four freshmen are Kimberly Barnwell (Beacon, NY), Alexandra Corpora (Syracuse, NY), Jennifer Larson (Port Jervis, NY), and Carolyn Rounds (Marlboro, NY).
New Paltz opens the 2003 campaign with a two-day invitation at RPI beginning on Saturday, August 30. The Hawks began their record-breaking season with a first place finish at this event last year. New Paltz opens their home schedule with a match against Hartwick College on Wednesday, September 3 at 4:00 pm.
