Due West, SC---Erskine College president Dr. Randy Ruble presented the women’s tennis team with their 2009 Conference Carolinas championship rings on Saturday October 24th during a ceremony at halftime of the women’s soccer match against Mount Olive.
The 2009 team finished with a record of 18-7 overall and 11-1 in the conference, while finishing the season #33 in the country and #7 in the southeast region. The Lady Fleet defeated Mount Olive in the finals of the conference tournament to capture their fifth straight tournament championship. They followed that performance up with another victory over the Trojans in the first round of the NCAA regional tournament to get the schools first ever NCAA tournament victory, before losing to Francis Marion in the semifinals.
.The team not only excelled on the court but also in the classroom. The 08-09 Erskine women’s tennis team was recognized by the ITA as an ITA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM. To earn this honor a team must have a minimum GPA of 3.2. Coach Parr states that the fact the team has won this honor the last 4 years is one of the program’s greatest accomplishments. The team also had 3 players earn ITA SCHOLAR ATHLETE honors. To earn this honor a player must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
2008-2009 Erskine College women’s tennis team members
Tessa Rheault played number 1 singles and 2 doubles. Her strong play earned her 1st team all-conference and all tournament honors .One of many highlights from the year was her great win against Mt. Olive’s senior 4 time all conference player Carol Aro in the conference tournament finals by the score of 6-2,6-3.
Britton Bignon played number 2 singles and 1 doubles. Coach Parr describes Britton as a gamer. She brings her best performances at the most important times. For the second year in a row Britton won a critical singles point in the conference tournament finals beating MT. Olive’s Jessica Souza 7-5, 7-5 for the 5th and deciding championship point. Britton’s great play earned her all-conference and all-tournament honors for the 2nd straight year.
Mary Claire Rollins played number 3 singles and 2 doubles. Her strong performance in the classroom earned her ITA Scholar-Athlete honors. Mary Claire earned a very important victory against Mt. Olive’s Camila Kurebayshi in the conference tournament finals. For the second year in a row Mary Claire was recognized by the conference coaches as an all-conference player.
Kacie Knox played number 4 singles and 1 doubles. Kacie’s great senior leadership as captain of the team was one of the major reasons for the team’s championship season. Her strong performance in the classroom earned her ITA Scholar-Athlete honors.
Jourdan Smith played number 5 singles and 3 doubles. Jourdan played her best tennis of the season in the conference tournament. Her strong performance earned her conference tournament MVP honors.
Nikki Miller played number 6 singles and 3 doubles. Nikki’s strong performance in the classroom earned her ITA Scholar-Athlete honors. Coach Parr notes that Nikki is a very strong, mentally tough player who is a great example of Erskine’s athletic motto of” winning is important but winning with character is everything”.
Cera Falls number 7 singles. Cera provided the lady fleet with great depth. She was instrumental to the team’s championship season. Her strong Christian character earned the respect of her teammates. She provided a great calming coaching influence to Tessa during her conference tournament singles finals victory.
Coach Calhoun Parr is currently in his 10th season at Erskine. Coach Parr has a career overall record of 160-59 and conference record of 87-22. He had been named conference coach of the year 3 times, NCAA region coach of the year and USPTA SC coach of the year.
Assistant Coach Jim Query is truly a blessing from God. His words of encouragement to the coach and players have made a major impact on their lives. Jim’s support has played a critical role in providing the team with the opportunities they need to be successful. The Erskine women’s tennis family would like to say thank you for all you do!