Women’s tennis: Teaching time for Lions

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - Even in such an individual sport as tennis, Vanguard

University sees its strength in the overall unity of the team for the

2000 season.

“This whole group likes each other,” Coach Paulo Barriga said. “The

loyalty and sportsmanship of this group is remarkable.”

With a lack of collegiate playing experience, Barriga sees this as a

learning year for the Lions, who last year was ranked as high as No. 13

in the nation by the NAIA.

“We’re a very young team with some good athletes,” Barriga said.

“Athletes and tennis players are two different things, but that can be a

good thing. The athletes can be molded into great tennis players with

some time and knowledge.”

The lone returner is sophomore Lindsay Doyal, who was the No. 3

singles player for Vanguard last year.

“We’ll have her at No. 1 singles this year,” Barriga said. “She’s got

a lot of playing time under her belt, so that should help her have a big

year this year.”

With such an inexperienced group, Barriga is stressing the basics.

“They’re eager to learn, but I wish I could get some more questions

thrown my way,” Barriga said. “Sometimes I look at them and I see all the

eyes looking at me.”

With a sophomore-heavy roster, Barriga is using this season as a

stepping stone for bigger and better things down the road, but likes the

“team first” motto of the club.

“We win as a team and we lose as a team,” Barriga said. “Our group is

committed to this philosophy. They’ve already meshed so well. The doubles

work well together and the singles are always pulling for each other.”

COLLEGE OUTLOOK

VANGUARD UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S TENNIS

Amy Bennett Fr.

Jenna Boyd Jr.

Lindsay Doyal So.

Sara Ferree So.

Megan Godfrey So.

Tomacita Martinez So.

Satina Nihau Sr.

Danielle Speer-Pardee So.