Due West, SC – The final Tennis rankings have been released and the Erskine Women’s Tennis team once again finishes in the Top 50. The Lady Fleet end the 2008-2009 campaign ranked 33rd in the nation with a #7 ranking in the Southeast Region. Within the conference, Erskine saw its four year undefeated streak come to an end and completed the season in a three-way tie for first place. Finding inspiration from the quote by Rick Macci, “It is okay to be knocked down. What happens next says it all,” Erskine responded by handedly winning the conference tournament for the 5th consecutive year and earning its 5th consecutive NCAA regional tournament bid. Most notably, Erskine won its first NCAA regional match and advanced to the 2nd round before being eliminated.
Kacie Knox, the lone senior on the team, finished her career undefeated in conference singles play and an overall record of 77-12. She also was named All-Conference three times, All-Tournament twice and was the Conference Carolinas Tournament MVP in 2007. In addition to her stellar play, Kacie was also a 4-time ITA Scholar-Athlete. “Kacie has been a joy to coach. She is a gamer. Kacie always brings her best performance in the most important conference tournament matches. During her career, Kacie has been a great example of the Erskine motto of “Christian Commitment and Excellence in Learning.” After graduation, Kacie will enter physical therapy school this summer at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
The Lady Fleet will have a tough task next year to build upon their success. With no seniors and four entering freshmen, this will be the youngest team Coach Parr has put on the court. Coach Parr is confident in his returning players, led by Tessa Rheault and Britton Bignon, and will compete for their sixth consecutive conference title and NCAA tournament bid.