Jan. 13, 2010

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Expectations are high for the 2009-10 season, as the No. 33 Illini women's tennis team looks to pick up where it left off last season and secure a third-straight NCAA tournament appearance.

"This year's team again has lofty goals," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "They've shown the determination and commitment to make those dreams a reality."

The Illini enjoyed much success last season, highlighted by the program's first NCAA tournament victory in six years, as well as its first win over a top-20 opponent since 2004.

All but one player returns from last year's squad that also finished at No. 33 in the final Campbell's/ITA rankings, the Illini's highest finish in the rankings in five years.

"Over the last couple years, the players have come to realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds to if they bring the right work ethic and attitude," Dasso said. "Every single person on our team plays a vital role in our success and they seem to understand the importance of taking ownership for the legacy they would like to leave."

The addition of blue-chip recruits Breanne Smutko (Alpharetta, Ga./Northview) and Rachael White (Deerfield, Ill./Deerfield), which comprise the top recruiting class in the history of Illinois women's tennis, will add even more depth and strength to the talented lineup. White recently debuted at No. 33 in the first Campbell's/ITA national singles rankings of the year and also ranks sixth in the Midwest region singles rankings and seventh in doubles with junior Leigh Finnegan (Wilmington, Del./Tower Hill).

"Our two freshmen provide a great mixture of personalities, as well as game styles to our team," Dasso said. "Both freshmen will be impact players for our program and already fit in very well with the team chemistry, which is what makes our squad so special."

The offseason also brought a major coaching change, as former Big Ten rival and Northwestern standout Georgia Rose was named assistant coach this past September.

"Georgia was an extremely successful and humble college player, and she has the drive and desire to be an even better coach," Dasso said. "The importance of having a very good assistant that you can trust and the girls respect and respond so well to is essential in the pursuit to move a team forward. I am very fortunate to have found those qualities in Georgia."

The Illini's senior class, which is comprised of three-time All-Big Ten selection Megan Fudge (Kaarst Germany/Millfield School), Kristina Minor (Mundelein, Ill./Carmel Catholic) and Christine Stromberg (Rolling Meadows, Ill./Fremd), has emerged as strong leaders who will look to guide the team throughout their final season.

"Our senior class is very determined to lead this program to one of the best finishes possible," Dasso said. "The feistiness, never-give-up attitude and heart these three bring to our team will be the cornerstones of our success."

Fudge, ranked No. 11 in the Midwest region singles rankings, recorded her third straight 20-win season last year, while tying for fourth all-time on the Illinois single-season charts with 30 victories at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. She also currently ranks 11th in school history with 75 career singles wins.

Minor posted an overall record of 16-8 at Nos. 4, 5 and 6 singles during the dual season, while Stromberg went 10-3 in tournament play for the Illini.

Also back for the Illini is Finnegan, who earned her first All-Big Ten honor last season and checked in at No. 78 in the 2009 preseason singles rankings. She will begin the season ranked No. 16 in the regional singles rankings.

"Leigh has shown tremendous growth over the course of the past few years and particularly this fall," Dasso said. "Her practice intensity and consistency has increased considerably, which will no doubt propel her to greater heights."

Fellow classmates Marisa Lambropoulos (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest) and Annie McCarthy (Chicago, Ill./Mother McAuley) also will be on hand to add experience and creativity.

"Marisa is one of those players you love to have on the court when the match is on the line," Dasso said. "She plays very loose, loves the challenge, and never seems phased by much.

"Annie has worked very hard and come a long way in the conditioning area over the last few years, which has helped improve her endurance in matches. Her sense of humor and creativity brings a spark to our team."

Lambropoulos recorded her first 20-win season in 2009, finishing with 22 wins overall, including seven in Big Ten play, while also registering 24 wins in doubles with three different partners.

McCarthy saw the most action in doubles play, finishing with 23 wins with five different partners and also went 13-4 overall in singles.

Rounding out the returnees are sophomores Chelcie Abajian (Commack, N.Y./Commack) and Amy Allin (Dallas, Texas/Lake Highlands), who made an immediate impact in their rookie season. Both Illini captured 26 wins last season, which ranked second only to Fudge, who had 30.

"Chelcie is one of the cleanest ball strikers on our team and her ability to change direction keeps her opponents caught off guard," Dasso said. "The experience of playing in tough, tight matches last season will prove to be extremely valuable this year.

"Amy's upbeat attitude, positive demeanor on the court, and work ethic combine to make such a huge force for our team. She has worked tirelessly on finding the right balance between making balls and being aggressive, improved court positioning, and having the confidence to finish points at the net."

With another challenging regular season schedule ahead for the Illini, the squad will have plenty of opportunities to solidify its spot among the top tennis programs in the nation.

The Orange and Blue will face eight opponents that finished in the top 25 of the final Campbell's/ITA rankings last season, including non-conference matches against Tennessee, Mississippi, Clemson, Florida State, Notre Dame and South Carolina, in addition to Big Ten foes Northwestern and Michigan.

"Defeating our first top-20 opponent in the first round of the NCAA tournament at home and then being literally points away from a Sweet 16 appearance was electrifying, but also left a bittersweet taste in our mouths," Dasso said. "Our girls are not satisfied and would love the opportunity to be in a similar situation at the end of this year. This team realizes we have a very special group of motivated players and people associated with our program and we look forward to the fun times ahead of us."