By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women’s tennis team took the courts for the first time this year as the head coach Brandon Padgett and the Owls had their first practice of the 2010 season at the KSU Tennis Complex.
The squad hit on two main courts at the on-campus facility as slick conditions made the back courts of the complex unplayable. However, the brief session on Monday afternoon was intense as the women’s squad is preparing for their Jan. 23 match at Auburn.
“The women are opening a week earlier than the men,” said Padgett. “We have a week less of practice time so we have to get things accomplished quickly, getting our footwork down, hitting as well as getting a lineup put together.
Also on Monday, Padgett named Ayano Tanaka as captain for the 2010 season. A junior from Atlanta, Tanaka was a 2008 A-Sun All-Freshman selection and has established herself as one of the top players in the conference.
“Ayano does anything and everything the coaches and her teammates ask of her and is well respected,” added Padgett. “She is more deserving of being named captain then any player I have ever coached.”
The Owls will open up the spring season on Jan. 23 when they visit the Auburn Tigers. The home opener has the Black and Gold facing the Blue Hose of Presbyterian on Feb. 17 at the KSU Tennis Complex.
