Tennis Gears Up for 2008 Season
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Tennis Gears Up for 2008 Season
Fresh of its highest season-ending ranking since 2003, the Cal State Northridge women’s tennis team embarks upon the 2008 season looking to sustain the momentum generated from last season’s third place finish in the Big West Conference. Led by a pair of seniors, Kanykey Koichumanova and Canna Furuta, and the addition of several talented newcomers, Gary Victor’s squad possesses the skill and depth to soar even higher in 2008.
Victor, now in his 11th season at Northridge, sees the 2008 squad to be as deep as the 2001 team that won the Big Sky title. The blend of returnees and newcomers offer Victor and his assistant coach, James Ciuffo, the ability to create lots of combinations to fulfill the potential of the team.
The depth is extremely important considering the competition lined up for Northridge. Aside from the rigors of competing in the Big West Conference, a league that finished with four ranked teams, including Northridge, the Matadors will face a series of talented squads including Yale, Minnesota, Loyola Marymount and Boise State in non-conference action.
It appears the team will have several options at the top singles positions. In addition to Koichumanova and Furuta, the Matadors welcome the addition of Victoria Brymer in 2008. A transfer from Washington, Brymer has been ranked as high as 15th in the nation among junior players.
“Victoria has played at the highest levels of junior tennis.” Victor said. “That has given her invaluable experience to go along with being a very fundamentally sound player.”
Koichumanova enters her senior season looking to pick up right where she left off in 2007. As the Matadors’ No. 2 singles player, Koichumanova posted a 14-2 record and tied a school record with a 13-match winning streak. During that span, she dropped only two sets and posted victories over Yale, UC Irvine and Loyola Marymount.
“Kanykey is an incredible competitor who possesses a ton of character and a true desire to win for the team,” Victor added. “I figure she and Victoria will battle throughout the year for the top two spots on the squad.”
Furuta performed well as the team’s No. 3 singles players, finishing 2007 with a 13-4 record. She posted two six-match winning streaks during the season and wracked up victories over Yale, UC Irvine and Loyola Marymount.
“Canna is another excellent competitor who has tremendous speed,” Victor said. “Despite being a smaller player in stature, she has the ability to go big against her opponents and generate a tremendous amount of power.”
Koichumanova and Furuta also saw action together as a tandem, posting an impressive 6-1 record as the team’s second doubles pairing. The record included victories against conference rivals Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State.
Following Furuta are a pair of German imports whom Victor believes have the commitment and talent to make an immediate impact. Junior Sandra Kukla, who comes to Northridge after two years at UT-San Antonio, and freshman Nina Jaworowski will look to serve notice to Northridge's opponents this year.
“Sandra is a work-a-holic who is not only a great student, but also has a tremendous work ethic that could bring us up,” Victor said. “Nina is a person who is constantly working hard to improve and make additions to her game. Most likely, I see the two of them forming an imposing doubles tandem for us this year.”
Additionally, Victor sees improved depth with the addition of freshman Brooke Doane and the development of sophomore Kristy Fournell. Arriving to Northridge from Ewa Beach, Hawai’i, Doane looks to make her impact for the Matadors in doubles competition.
“Brooke could be one of the best doubles players I have ever had at Northridge,” Victor said. “She has incredible hands and a great attitude.”
Fournell brings tremendous talent to the team in both singles and doubles action. Pairing with Furuta last season as the team’s No. 3 doubles team, the tandem posted a 7-1 record.
“When she is healthy, Kristy may be as good of a ball striker as there is in the Big West Conference,” Victor said.
Another newcomer looking to make a contribution is freshman Whitney Paluch. A native of Rapid City, S.D., Paluch joins Northridge after earning all-state honors from 2003-2006 and winning three state singles titles.
“Whitney is still working to find her game, though she has shown some glimpses of her potential already, having defeated Long Beach State in the Fall,” Victor added.
The Matadors’ depth continues with sophomore Ashley Macias and freshmen Julie Onishenko.
“Ashley gained some great experience last year and both she and Julie bring a great attitude and work ethic to the team,” Victor said.
With the season-opening match against Cal State Fullerton only weeks away, Victor is optimistic about this team’s potential. He knows the talent and commitment is there for the Matadors in 2008, but he also knows that nothing will be handed to the team.
“Our goals for the season are to get better everyday, create a family environment where everyone on the team gets the support they need and to give ourselves the best chance to win between now and the Big West Championships.” |
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