September 9 , 2005

Junior Meghan Kelley and the Herons attempt to continue their winning ways in 2005 (photo by K.Colton/SportsPics.net)

GENEVA, N.Y.—In three of its last four seasons the William Smith College tennis team under the direction of Head Coach Chip Fishback, has accumulated 14 victories and put together an overall record of 52-22. With a 14-5 overall record, the 2004 Herons matched the win total of the 2001 and 2002 teams. Despite the graduation of four key players, the youthful and talented Herons are poised to continue their winning ways.

William Smith suffered a tough setback in a hard fought 5-4 season-opening loss to the Cortland State Red Dragons, but veteran teams are able to regroup. The Herons strung together five consecutive dual match victories, including decisive wins over Brockport (9-0), Ithaca (8-1), and St. John Fisher (8-1) along with upending Liberty League rival St. Lawrence (5-4). Entering the postseason with a 5-2 record, William Smith placed fourth at the Liberty League Championships and sixth at the NYSWCAA Championships.

In the spring, the Herons steamrolled through their opponents, winning eight of nine matches. William Smith closed out the 2004-05 season by capturing the B Flight doubles championship and finishing second in three other flights during annual William Smith Tournament.

As Sarah Coffin ’05, Crystal Cordes ’05, Laura Maier ’05, and Molly Patterson ’05 accepted their diplomas in May, the tennis team was left with gigantic holes to fill. Patterson, who earned All-State recognition three consecutive seasons, was a mainstay at the top of the Heron’s lineup, where she boasted an impressive 62-31 career record. Maier and Cordes combined to form a lethal second doubles team, which won the B Flight doubles championship at the William Smith Tournament.

The coaching staff will use the fall season as an opportunity to evaluate different doubles combinations in an effort to find three efficient pairs.

Sophomore Tara Ware (Avon/Avon, Conn.), whose consistent play led to a 17-8 overall record from the third singles position, is tabbed as one of Patterson’s heirs apparent this fall. Her hard, flat ground strokes from the baseline caused opponents fits, which was evident in her B Flights singles second place finish at the William Smith Tournament in the spring. Throughout the summer, she worked tirelessly on developing a stronger volleying game, which should net results during the season.

Junior Meghan Kelley (Norwell/Norwell, Mass.), who posted a 7-4 overall record at the sixth singles position, is expected to assume more of a leadership role this year. Her consistent all-court game led her to the semifinals at the NYSWCAA Tennis Championships, where she lost to the eventual champion. Her ability to mentor and guide the youthful Herons will play a significant role in William Smith’s success.

Senior Heidi Ambrozaitis (Burr Burton/Manchester, Vt.), who missed the entire spring season because she was studying abroad, is expected to use her athleticism to frustrate her opponents by tracking down potential winners. She is expected to compete for a slot in the lineup along with providing depth and experience.

As a first-year, Katie Campbell (Winchester/Winchester, Mass.) registered an 8-6 overall record at fifth singles. Her devastating backhand led her to the semifinals at the NYSWCAA Tennis Championship. The sophomore is expected to contribute as she plays higher in the Herons’ lineup in both singles and doubles.

Sophomore Cory Turner (Canterbury School/Ridgefield, Conn.), who registered a 7-1 record at fifth singles, thrived during the spring season. Possessing an all-court game, the athletic Turner is expected to compete for a higher spot in the lineup in both singles and doubles.

In the spring season, sophomore Erinn Cain (Pal-Mac/Palmyra, N.Y.), who is rehabbing an injury, will provide William Smith with an added lift. Last season, she registered a 6-1 record from the sixth singles position.

A highly talented first-year, Chelsea Rauck (Columbus School for Girls/Bexley, Ohio), is expected to contribute immediately and see significant time in the top-half of the Herons’ lineup. Her solid fundamentals mixed with natural talent will certainly impact the strength of the team. Rauck appeared in the Ohio Division II State doubles finals last spring.

Sophomore Christen Bucknall (Convent of the Sacred Heart/Greenwich, Conn,) along with a pair of first-years, Collen Carpinella (Hamden/Hamden, Conn.), and Ali Haseotes (Lincoln School/North Attleboro, Mass.) will battle for the No. 6 singles spot along with providing depth on the squad.

William Smith swings into action on Sept. 11 when they travel to St. John Fisher for a 1 p.m. start.

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