Endicott Tennis Team Gearing up for 2005 Season

Aug. 17, 2005

BEVERLY, MA -- The Gulls' women's tennis team advanced to second round of the CCC tournament, ending the season at 7-5 (5-4 CCC). Endicott downed rival Gordon (6-3) in the opening round before dropping a tough match to eventual CCC champ Salve Regina (7-2).

Blythe Langley (North Hampton, NH) set the tone for the Gulls at first singles with her 7-4 record (6-3 CCC) despite drawing the opposition's best player. The team will sorely miss the veteran leadership provided by departed seniors Bridget Paulsen (Killingworth, CT) and Eulalia Zukas (South Portland, ME). The 2005 graduates emphasized team first and set an example for all to follow.

Langley and senior Lauren Gibbons (Shaker Heights, OH) will be called upon to lead the team and provide a bulk of the production at first and second singles as well as first doubles. Returning juniors Carli Conners (Medina, OH) and Bri Cogan (Saratoga Springs, NY) thrived at second doubles last season.

Sophomores Stephanie Branch (Boothbay Harbor, ME) and Nicole Leveille (Atkinson, NH) teamed up at No. 3 doubles and will compete for top spots on the roster. The two bolstered the rotation last year and will be counted on for vital points in 2005.

Branch and Leveille added a lot to the team last season and with a little more practice and experience could climb to one of the top positions.

Gale Bacon returns to Endicott for her second season. Bacon is a USPTA Teaching Professional with six years of experience as a teaching pro at the Manchester Athletic Club. She was an assistant tennis coach at Salem State College for three seasons and has coached at the high school level for the past nine years.