Preseason Video Interviews

ELMIRA, N.Y. -- Following a season that saw several record-breaking performances, the Elmira College women's tennis team is chomping at the bit to kick off the 2017-18 campaign. The Soaring Eagles open the fall portion of their schedule on their home courts at the Murray Athletic Center this Saturday, September 2, with a 1:00 p.m. Empire 8 Conference bout against the Pioneers of Utica College.
 
Heading into preseason in shape was the main focus for the Soaring Eagles during the offseason, which has allowed the Elmira women to turn their attention to improving on-court aspects of their games.
 
"Over the summer we kept track of our sprint times, mile times and we did some body-weight stuff, so that was important," said Megan Fitzgerald '18. "I think everyone did a good job keeping up with it, so that when preseason came around we could start working on tactics and more of the logistics rather than getting into shape."
 
The added benefit of a well-fit team will be key for the Purple and Gold, as they open the fall schedule with back-to-back matches. Those two matches will tell a lot about the makeup of the 2017-18 iteration of the Soaring Eagles, who will employ the services of several returners as well as a trio of freshmen.
 
"I think we have a good bunch of girls," added fellow senior Emily Green '18. "I think all of the freshmen are pretty strong, so that makes it easier to get into points and rallies, and start working with each other and learning how we all hit together."
 
Returners
The Soaring Eagles will have the luxury of returning five players from their starting lineup from a season ago. Leading the pack is Thomaston, Connecticut, native Megan Fitzgerald '18, who heads into her senior season with aspirations of becoming the most winningest player in program history. Fitzgerald heads into the fall season with 63 career victories, good enough for third place in the EC record books, and also owns the program's second-most singles wins (31) and third-most doubles triumphs (32). She posted a combined record of 29-5 last season playing second singles and first doubles, and will once again be counted upon to produce wins at the top of the lineup in 2017-18.
 
Fellow senior Emily Green '18 is also back for the Purple and Gold, after collecting five total wins during her junior year. The dual-sport athlete, who also doubles as a guard for the EC women's basketball team, enters the fall season stronger, leaner and with a refined game from the baseline. Green held down the No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles spots, which could be where she finds herself again in her final go-around with the Soaring Eagles.
 
Classmates Danielle Bliss '19, Sarah Hill '19 and Cheyanne Holwell '19 filled out the lower half of Elmira's lineup in 2016-17, but could see time in the upper half of the lineup with another year of experience under their belts. All three netters played in all 14 of EC's dual matches last season, but struggled to find wins in what was a fairly competitive schedule. If Elmira plans on increasing its win total from a season ago, the Soaring Eagles will need these three to grind out wins in both the singles and doubles lineups.
 
Newcomers
Elmira welcomes three freshmen to the team this fall in Eliza Johnson '21, Katy Jewett '21 and Cassie Brown '21. All three rookies will more than likely be called upon in one form or another to contribute in the singles and doubles lineup.
 
Johnson sports an all-court game with solid strokes from the baseline, as well as an eagerness to get to the net. Her crisp volleys and ability to find angles at the net should make her a valuable asset in the doubles lineup, while her all-court game will position her well in any spot in EC's singles lineup.
 
Jewett comes to Elmira after a successful high school career at Nyack, where she claimed All-League honors three times during her four-year career. Her athleticism and aggressiveness at the net will more than likely land her a starting spot in the doubles lineup.
 
Standing 5 feet 7 inches, Brown shares the title of being one of the tallest players on this year's team. Her height, along with a nice wide wingspan, will make her an intimidating presence at the net, which will force opponents to be precise with their passing shots. Look for Brown to be a key contributor in doubles in the upcoming season.
 
Season Opener
Elmira opens the fall season at the Murray Athletic Center this Saturday, September 2, with a home tilt against the Pioneers of Utica College. The contest will not only serve as Elmira's home- and season-opener, but it will also be EC's first conference match of the season. EC has enjoyed its fair share of success against Utica over the years with a 26-2 all-time record, and will look to extend the team's win streak in home-opening contests to three straight.