As Valparaiso University’s women’s tennis team takes to the court for the 2008 fall season, head coach Jay Adams returns the nucleus of his team from one year ago.  Eight returnees are set to join a pair of freshman for the second year head coach as the Brown and Gold set to embark on a fall campaign that features three dual matches as well as a pair of tournaments.

Kim Sajevic returns at the top of Valpo’s lineup after playing number one singles all of her junior season.  The senior tied for the team lead in singles victories in 2007-2008.  Two other seniors, Jenny Schwartz and Molly Keifer split time at second singles for the Brown and Gold a year ago, with Keifer also playing some at the third spot.  The duo also teamed last year to play at number one doubles for Valpo.

Lindsey Gustafson is the other returning senior for the Crusaders and played a great deal at the fourth spot one year ago.  She also played a few matches at the third spot in 2007-2008 after playing no higher than sixth heading into her junior season.

Julie Wingstrom won nearly all of her matches at the fifth spot in the Crusader order last season, as Adams returns each of his top five players for the upcoming season.  Wingstrom also teamed with Sajevic at number two doubles, leading the team in wins in that category.

Three sophomores also return for the Crusaders after playing their first season of collegiate tennis.  Christine Antrobus shared team-high honors with Sajevic in singles victories last year while Jackie O’Reilly mainly played in doubles action.  Camill Burden appeared in one match as a rookie and will look for more playing time this season.

A pair of freshmen, Katie Bilyeu and Stephanie York will also attempt to break into the Crusader lineup this fall.

The Crusaders will play a pair of dual matches in the Detroit, Michigan area on September 6 and 7 against Wayne State and Oakland along with a home dual match on September 23 against Saint Joseph’s (Ind.).  Valpo also will compete at tournaments hosted by Western Illinois (September 12-13) and IPFW (October 4-5).

Adams and the Crusaders look for a successful fall slate in preparation for the spring competition.  With eight returnees and a pair of freshmen, Valpo is set to a strong showing on the courts.