Thursday, January 20, 2011

MACON, Ga. – The ETSU Lady Buccaneers tennis team returns as the preseason favorites for the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference season after a perfect 10-0 mark last season. UNF’s Aline Berkenbrock, the 2010 A-Sun Player of the Year, earned the Preseason Player of the Year honor after finishing last season 12-0 within conference play at No. 1 singles. Stetson’s pair of Carolina de los Santos and Unnati Purushotham received the Preseason Doubles Team of the Year.

The Lady Bucs return three all-conference members from last season including first team honoree, Paula Jaime, and second team members, Diana Navrostska and Andra Voinea. UNF, who claimed the 2010 A-Sun Championship over ETSU, appeared in the second spot in the coaches poll and return all-tournament member, Danielle Day, and the 2010 Tournament MVP, Melanie Aguirre.

Stetson follows the Bucs and Ospreys in the third spot, while FGCU and Campbell finish out the top-five. Last season, de los Santos along with Valentina Galbarini advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Doubles Tournament. The Fighting Camels fell in the semifinals of the A-Sun Championship to ETSU, while FGCU finished 6-4 in regular season play.

USC Upstate, Kennesaw State and Jacksonville continue the poll at sixth through eighth. The Spartans wrapped up the 2010 year with a 6-4 mark in conference play, while the Owls fell to Campbell in the opening round of the A-Sun Championship, 4-2. The Dolphins missed the 2010 conference championship after advancing to the semifinals in the previous season. Mercer, Belmont and Lipscomb finish the remainder of the coaches poll.

The Atlantic Sun Women’s Tennis Championship hosted by Stetson University takes place from April 14-16, 2011 in DeLand, Fla. at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.

Preseason Singles Player of the Year: Aline Berkenbrock, UNF

Preseason Doubles Team of the Year: Carolina de los Santos / Unnati Purushotham, Stetson

Preseason Atlantic Sun Conference Coaches Poll
1. ETSU
2. UNF
3. Stetson
4. FGCU
5. Campbell
6. USC Upstate
7. Kennesaw State
8. Jacksonville
9. Mercer
10. Belmont
11. Lipscomb

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