2007-08 Poets Women's Tennis Overview

Whittier College Women's Tennis is on the rise.  Coach Tallakson says, "We are poised to demonstrate that we really have a great team.  With 7 returning players and 5 new players we have a solid base from which to build on."

The Poets have the opportunity to play some of the best competition in the country each and every week.  They will compete at the oldest tennis tournament in the country, the Ojai Tennis Tournament, where past winners have included John McEnroe, Billy Jean King, and Lindsay Davenport.  Whittier will play many of the top ranked teams in the nation such as Redlands, Pomona-Pitzer, and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.  They also have a tough non-conference schedule, featuring top ranked NAIA schools including Hope International and Biola University.

With only one player lost to graduation, the core of the team is returning for the 2008 season.  Three seniors will be returning: Emily Friedhoff who played #2 singles and #2 doubles in 2007, Christa Rainville who played #3 singles and #1 doubles, and Megan Wingo who played #6 singles and #3 doubles.  The Poets are also returning Cecilia Nava, Bebe Gonzalez, Whitney Egioan, and Jane McNear with another year of experience under their belt.  Five newcomers join the squad and are expected to have an immediate impact on the team.

Coach Tallakson is optimistic about the year ahead.  "We have much to be excited about this upcoming season," he says.  "We expect to climb the SCIAC rankings and will prepare for a great showing at the conference championship." 

The Poets are set to open their schedule on February 8, 2008, at SCIAC rival and national force, the University of Redlands.