University of Richmond Athletics
2000-01 Women's Tennis Outlook
12/20/2000 | Women's Tennis
Dec. 20, 2000
RICHMOND, Va. - Despite the loss of three seniors as well as its No. 1 player for a second straight year, Richmond is aiming toward another solid season.
A corps of five sophomores and three freshmen are expected to lead a balanced Richmond attack that is competitive at every position. As in past seasons, the Spiders will be continually tested with one of the most demanding schedules in the nation.
With a team dominated by freshmen, Richmond concluded last season with an 11-10 overall record and 5-2 CAA mark. In addition, the Spiders advanced to the CAA Tournament semifinals for a second straight year.
This season, a strong cast of returning players should complement a talented freshman class as the Spiders aim toward a return to the NCAA Tournament following repeat appearances in 1997 and 1998.
"With the caliber of players that we have coming in and the extra year of experience that our returning players have under their belts, our goal is to get back to the NCAA Tournament and do well in it," says Richmond head women's tennis coach Mark Wesselink.
Sophomores and team co-captains Vanessa Bagnato, 5-6 of Manhasset, N.Y., and Jodi Kenoyer, 5-9 of Lighthouse Point, Fla., are expected to play at or near the top of Richmond's lineup this season.
The best baseliner on the team, Bagnato posted an impressive 12-9 dual match singles record during the spring. As last season progressed, Bagnato improved both her serve and net game, allowing her to become more of an offensive threat and close matches, according to Wesselink.
Kenoyer finished last season with an 11-8 dual match singles mark in spring competition. A player with overpowering ground strokes and the ability to win points with her forehand and backhand at any time, Kenoyer finished last season with the best winning percentage (.579) of any Spider.
"Vanessa and Jodi both have a great work ethic and they are both good leaders," observes Wesselink. "They lead by example and support their teammates well. Most importantly, they expect their teammates to work as hard as they do. That combination has the experience and maturity that is necessary to lead this team."
After notching 10 singles wins last season in the middle of the Spiders lineup, 5-9 sophomore Elyse Salahi should again compete for one of the team's top singles spots this year.
"Elyse is an aggressive player who will be a big part of our success this season," notes Wesselink. "She learned when to go for the `kill' as a freshman and has the potential to be a great player."
A player who improved her consistency as a freshman, sophomore Casey Cohen, 5-5 of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., is expected to bolster Richmond's lineup in her second season.
"In her first year, Casey learned how much physical and emotional energy is needed to win a point and a match," Wesselink points out. "She can now win points from anywhere on the court and knows how to channel her emotions to be successful."
Despite battling injuries for most of last season, sophomore Monika Peetes, 5-7 of Tallinn, Estonia, can attack the net as well as serve and volley to put opponents away.
"When she is healthy, Monika has a great attacking game," says Wesselink. "She can also force the action with her multitude of skills at the net."
Wesselink is excited about an outstanding recruiting class comprised of freshmen Jeannette Cluskey (Minneapolis, Minn./Edna) and Patty Devlin (York, Pa./York Suburban).
An all-court player, Cluskey was the No. 1 ranked player in the Northern Section last year. She is also a top-40 girls' 18-and-under player. Devlin was a finalist at the Pennsylvania State High School Championships as a senior.
"As they get acclimated to a new environment and gain experience, our freshman have a chance to be top-three players this year," says Wesselink.