New Partnership With Sheraton

The University of La Verne women's tennis team is looking forward to a strong start in the 2010 season with some fresh faces, adding two new coaches and six players. Senior Jen Baca, junior Megan Dean, and sophomore Vanessa Vasquez are La Verne's only returners on the nine-player squad.

Yolanda Duron was named La Verne's head coach in September and has made an immediate impact in her short time, influencing a young team that welcomes five new freshman and senior transfer Kelly Griffith. From the first day, Duron has believed that success stems from consistency, execution and a positive attitude.

"We need to be able to do the little things all the time," says the first year coach. "Everyday, each individual has to do their part and dedicate themselves to grow stronger and closer as a team."

While La Verne only has three upperclassmen, Coach Duron is optimistic about the youth on the team. "We're extremely young, but all of our girls are eager to learn and are ready to play." The Leopards are ready to leap into action against Grand Canyon and La Sierra, but will face some of their toughest competition in a four-match road stint (Feb. 19-27), that includes opponents Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, Pomona-Pitzer, and the University of Redlands.  All three squads are among the nation's best.

The Leopards will look to improve on a 5-16 record last year, starting with their first home contest of the season Friday afternoon against the Antelopes from Grand Canyon. The match will begin at 1:30 pm at the Claremont Club.