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.
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