By: KSU Sports Information
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Head Coach
Jeff Kutac and the KSU women's tennis program start their 2012 season on the road this weekend with matchups against Tulane and Southern University on Friday and Saturday, respectively. KSU returns three starters from the 2011 squad that finished with a Division I record season, ending the slate at 18-6.
The Owls will be led this year, once again, by senior captain
Vera Shkundina. Shkundina, who has played at the top spot for the Owls in every match since her freshman campaign, has compiled a career record of 98-29 in singles. She needs just two wins to pass 100 career singles wins. She already holds the school record for most career singles victories.
"Vera is excited for her senior season. For a player to play four years at the top spot is a special thing," commented Kutac. "She's motivated for the team to do well, and she is looking forward to playing her role in leading our team to a successful season."
The Owls also return junior
Therese Lagerkvist and sophomore
Alexandra Apostu. Apostu had an excellent freshman campaign, and was rewarded with Atlantic Sun All Freshman Team honors. Lagerkvist, the other Owls captain, held a 15-5 record for the Owls as she continued her solid career for KSU.
"We're looking to improve on the progress that was made last year," continued Kutac. "I hope each player improves individually throughout the season, and helps us improve as a team. We had a solid fall campaign, and will be looking to get off to a strong start this weekend.
Tulane, coming off of a 12-11 record in the 2011 season, are led by senior Mariam Kurdadze, who is the Green Wave's version of Shkundina. The Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, native has also played at the top spot for her team for the past 3 seasons, and is ranked No. 4 in the ITA Southern Region rankings. The Green Wave also have three other players ranked in the Top 20 in the Southern Region. The Owls and Green Wave will face off on Friday at 1:00 p.m. CST on the campus of Tulane.
Southern University (La.) is coming off of a strong 2011 campaign as well, having made the NCAA tournament as the champions of the SWAC. They finished the season with a 12-10 record, and fell to Florida State 4-0 in the first round of the NCAA Championships. Match time on Saturday is 1:00 p.m. CST on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge.
Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia
