Depth, preparation, has coaches eager for ITA tournament tomorrow

September 24, 2008
By David Clary
Sports Writer

On Thursday the annual Intercollegiate Tennis Association tournament kicks off at the Velasco Tennis Center.   

The Prairie Stars will look to set the tone for the rest of the season with solid play.  “Leading up to the ITA we have been working hard on consistency and mental toughness, challenging each other, so when the time comes we can outlast the competition,” Head Coach Manny Velasco said.

Adding to this year’s experienced players will be several newcomers.
“This year’s team has a lot of depth, including three freshmen that will bring character and enthusiasm to this already motivated group,” Assistant Coach Jose Talavera said.

Last year’s field at ITA featured top players from Olivet Nazarene, McKendree, Lindenwood, and Missouri Baptist. 

“The ITA tournament, hosted at Velasco Tennis Center in Washington Park, provides an opportunity for spectators to come at any time of the day and catch some quality tennis” Michael Czarny said.

The Prairie Stars men’s team will look to capture a title in either the singles or doubles division, having fallen short in both areas last year. 

McKendree’s Timon Reichelt defeated Talavera in the finals, while the duo of Talavera and returning senior, Diego Mayorga, lost to Abdelkarim El Idrissi and Fabio Falcato of Lindenwood in the finals for doubles.

The women’s team likewise will be in search of an ITA championship.  Velasco will have an experienced pool of talent to mix-and-match for doubles pairs with senior Ashley McGowan, juniors Kathleen Brancato and Rosanna Ramilo, and sophomore Thiyumi Abeysinghe.

Graduate student Ryan Reese is no stranger to watching UIS tennis. “UIS looks strong this year, especially with all of their top girls returning this year,” He said.  “I’d encourage people to come out and support the teams this year.  I know the girls are always thrilled when [they] can get spectators out here.”

Play starts at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and continues all day Friday and well into the day on Saturday.