2008 Outlook

2008 Women’s Tennis Outlook

Walsh returns a veteran line-up for 2008, as Coach Sherry Bossart returns five letter winners from 2007. The Cavs finished 16-5 overall, and 9-0 in the American Mideast Conference South Division. In an exciting run towards the NAIA National Tournament, the Cavaliers fended off conference rivals Cedarville University (6-3) and Tiffin University (5-4) in the Regional Tournament to make their 10th national appearance. With the loss of four-time letter winner Kristen Cady at first singles and Ingrid Brainard at fourth singles, the Cavaliers will have some positions to fill.

Lone senior Megan Navarre (Indianapolis, IN/Cathedral) will look to push the top of the singles line-up and be a steady force for the Cavs in the middle. Fashioning a 14-5 record at fifth singles in 2007, Navarre’s penetrating ground strokes and powerful serve have helped her to dominate opponents and win matches. Look for Navarre to rotate in the doubles mix as well.

Junior Jenamarie Ianni (Jr., North Canton, OH/Hoover) will look to lead the Cavaliers at number one singles after finishing 2007 with a 12-5 record at second singles.  Ianni and Kristen Cady also raked in the most doubles wins last year, finishing 13-6 overall and going a perfect 9-0 in conference play. Ianni achieved All-AMC and Region IX honors and will serve as co-captain for the 2008.

Lindsey Cady (Jr., Canton, OH/GlenOak), will most likely play in the number two spot. A much improved player, Cady turned her singles record around from 6-11 her freshman year to 12-9 in 2007. Look for Cady to team up with Ianni at the top doubles spot. Two of the best net players in the conference, the duo should provide solid play at number one doubles.

Hilary Rossi (So., Warren, OH/John F. Kennedy) finished one of the finest freshman seasons of any Walsh tennis player to date. Recording a 15-5 singles record in 2007, Rossi put on a clutch performance in the Cavaliers 5-4 conference victory over Tiffin, coming back from a 5-7 first set loss to win the match 5-7, 7-5, 7-6, providing the pivotal fifth point for the Cavaliers in a match that likely decided the conference championship. Rossi also fashioned a 9-5 record at third doubles with fellow sophomore Jen Yost. Rossi will look to continue her consistent play at second and third doubles and join Navarre in the middle of the singles line-up.

Jen Yost so., (Massillon, OH/Jackson) gave a solid performance at sixth singles in 2007, fashioning a 5-1 record and also pairing with Rossi at third singles to provide the Cavaliers with some depth and consistency.  Look for Yost to break into the singles line-up in 2008 and continue to make an impact in doubles.

Madeline Lewis (So., Columbus, OH/St. Francis DeSales), was sidelined last year and will look to make her debut in the 2008 season with a vengeance. Lewis is a fierce competitor with heavy ground strokes and a dangerous serve that can prove frustrating for opponents.

Also joining the 2008 squad are freshmen Julia Kole (Mississauga, ONT/St. Aloysius Gonzaga) and Laura Meiler (Salem, OH/United). Both bring four years of high school tennis experience and come from winning programs. They will provide the Cavaliers with depth and will make an immediate impact on the program.