2008 Woodie Awards
Tennis takes two
Jessica Trusiani
Issue date: 9/22/04 Section: Sports
The Suffolk University women's tennis team is off to a strong start this year, winning both matches that they have competed in.
While rain forced a cancellation of their first match against Regis, Suffolk officially opened up their season against Emerson on September 11, and took the match 6-3.
Five days later, the Rams went up against Pine Manor and won 7-2.
Last Saturday's game between the Rams and Western New England College was also postponed due to rain.
While the weather has refused to cooperate thus far, it has not put a damper on the aura surrounding the team.
New head coach Stephen Counihan loves the team's eagerness and enthusiasm.
He replaces former coach Seth Joyal, who has since moved to Philadelphia.
Counihan was named the coach for both the men and women's tennis teams this season. Prior to his transfer to Suffolk, Counihan coached tennis for twelve years at Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge.
Despite this being his first time coaching tennis at the college level, Counihan brings a substantial level experience to the team.
The Rams are looking to improve upon their 2003 mark, a season in which they had a 3-4 GNAC record and lost in the tournament quarter-finals against Simmons.
They were 3-8 overall on the season.
Counihan is excited about the team's chances this year, especially with the addition of Suffolk's No. 1 player, freshman Jen Nelson fromNewburyport, Massachusetts.
"She is definitely a player to watch," Counihan said. "She plays way above her age.
Her maturity level and skills are extremely high for a freshman."
Other top players include seniors Rebecca Edwards and Becky Harlow, and sophomore Melinda Moy.
Another aspect about the team Counihan likes is their cohesiveness.
"The girls get along really well," he said.
When asked how he predicts the season will go Counihan replied, "Based on what we have, it should go well."
The Rams will put their 2-0 record on the line this week with upcoming home games September 22 against UMass Boston and September 25 against Johnson and Wales.