By: by T.J. Greggs
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State Owls women’s tennis team kicks off its spring season on the road on Saturday when they battle the No. 35-ranked ranked Auburn Tigers at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.
Head Coach Brandon Padgett and the Owls return five of their top six players from last season's 11-9 team, and look to build on last season's unprecedented success at the NCAA Division I level.
This season will mark the first in which the Owls are eligible for post-season competition, and opening against a nationally ranked program will quickly help the Owls gauge their level on the national scene.
"With the start of the season comes great excitement," commented Padgett. "We are certainly excited about this team. We are a much deeper team than we've ever been."
Leading the way for the Owls will be sophomore Vera Shkundina. Last season, she posted a 15-4 mark at No. 1 singles, and will once again be at the top of the lineup for the Black and Gold. Joining the Owls this season are freshmen Therese Lagerkvist and Iesha Holton, who are both expected to be a part of the starting lineup.
The 1:00 p.m. EST match is the first-ever meeting between Kennesaw State and Auburn and is the first Southeastern Conference opponent for the Owls. The opener is also the first of an eight game road swing to begin the season. The Lady Owls will make their home debut against the Blue Hose of Presbyterian College on Feb. 17 at the KSU Tennis Complex.
