Texas Tech University Athletics
Future Looks Bright for Red Raider Squad
June 21, 1999 | Women's Tennis
January 8, 1999
Texas Tech Director of Tennis Tim Siegel and his assistant Mary Dailey enter the new season with a great deal of enthusiasm for what the year may hold for the women's team. Last year, the Red Raiders had their most successful season in six years posting a record of 12-11. With four talented players competing for the first time at the collegiate level and the return of some experienced veterans, the coaching staff and players feel that the momentum that was started last year will continue in 1999.
"We've made great strides in the women's program in the past two years. Last year we were ranked in the top 50 after having been in the top 100 two years ago. We have improved in the level of play, as well as, the talent of the players. I'm so excited about this season because I believe they have an opportunity to be one of the top teams in the Big 12."
The Red Raiders quest to have an opportunity to play the NCAA tournament will be led by the team's only two returning starters Zana Zlebnik and Amanda Earhart. The duo, who played No. 1 and No. 2 singles respectively, will be counted on to improve on solid seasons last year.
Perhaps the most exciting angle of the 1998-99 season for Red Raider tennis fans will be the opportunity to see Zlebnik continue to grow and mature as a sophomore. Last year's NCAA singles competitor will no longer have the advantage of being the unknown new kid on the block. Her play at the top position in singles and doubles will help to set the tone throughout the year.
The Maribor, Slovenia, native burst on to the collegiate tennis scene in 1998 recording a 17-6 record for the season and 8-3 mark against the Big 12 conference. This included victories over nationally ranked opponents including No. 18 Barbara Navarro of Baylor and No. 30 Raluca Gheorghe of Oklahoma.
She also garnered the conference's women's newcomer of the year award and was a member of the first-team for singles play. But, more importantly, Zlebnik became the first woman in Texas Tech history to be selected in the NCAA individual championships.
Zlebnik took advantage of her opportunity to further establish herself as a force in the women's ranks. She defeated Karin Palme of Arizona State 6-4, 6-1 in the first round before falling to Kylie Hunt of Kansas 6-2, 6-3.
Zlebnik also had a good deal of success in the doubles ranks while teaming with Amanda Earhart. The duo had a team-best 13-4 doubles record and earned all-Big 12 doubles honors while playing at the No. 1 position.
If both players can stay healthy, the year of experience should serve them well in taking their play to an even greater height. In women's dual match play, where every match point counts towards a win, the two will play an important role in securing the team's victories.
The other doubles team to watch will be the combination of Alenka Ovin and Ghislaine Hernandez. The team of first-year players proved they are capable of competing at the top levels during the fall. The women posted a record of 5-4 and advanced to the third round of the ITA Southwest Regional in the final tournament of the fall. The Red Raider's final doubles team will be made up of two additional players that will join the team in the spring.
Earhart returns to the women's team as the veteran of the group. Last season, she battled injuries, but managed to post a solid 10-9 record at the second position including four victories in her last six matches against Big 12 opponents. This fall she has returned healthy and ready to provide leadership, something which this young team will need to be successful.
The other two veteran players, juniors Misty Meyer and Erica Dopson, will play reserve roles on the team. Meyer, who had a 4-13 record in singles, will play in lower level singles again this year when needed. Dopson has been hampered by back injuries that have held her out for significant amount of time the past two years. As a result, she is expected to play only sparingly in 1998-99.
Filling the void for the injured Dopson will be no easy task, however, Siegel feels that the four first year players on the team are up to the task.
They are lead by sophomore Alenka Ovin. Ovin, who is also from Maribor, Slovenia, was forced to sit out last season for eligibility purposes. After a year of practicing against her teammates, she is ready for the challenge of taking the court against top collegiate talent. On a very young team, her year of preparation and international experience will be important in the success of the Red Raiders at the three, four or five positions where she is likely to play.
This fall, Ovin completed the tournament season with a 5-5 record. Her top performance came when she went 3-0 and advanced to the finals of the TCU tournament and faced teammate Amanda Earhart.
Another freshman who spent the fall getting her first taste of the collegiate game was Ghislaine Hernandez. Hernandez, who comes to Lubbock from Cuemarca, Mexico. She played in seven matches this fall in tournament play and will be called on to pick up key points in the lower level singles for the team.
Finally, two freshman who will enroll in classes in the spring will be called on to make an immediate impact. Anna Serot, from Spain, and Noel Ruiz, of Parague, are two heralded international recruits who Siegel expects to help the team significantly in their year of play. The tandem's vast experience at the international level should give them the background to become successful players at the collegiate level.
