Feb. 1, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's tennis team will play its first dual match of the 2007-08 season on Friday when it hosts North Alabama at Brook Highland Racquet Club at 1:30 p.m. The Blazers are coming off a 14-2 season and have replaced the departure of five players from that team with five talented newcomers for 2007-08.

"We have had tremendous success the last three years with the same team members," said head coach Mert Ertunga. "Now that five of those players are gone, a fresh page is turning for our program with an influx of five new players."

New to the Blazer lineup this season are freshmen Jenny Cape, Ceylan Engin, Jessica Orton, Giorgia Romeo and Evelien Strijker.

"As is the case with a team that has freshmen as the majority of the team, there are many question marks for this team," Ertunga said. "Without a doubt, the talent is there already. In the beginning, we may have to go through some growing pains, but this new nucleus of players, with the help of three seniors, I am certain that period won't last long."

Ertunga's three senior leaders this season are Gulsah Esen, who won 11 matches last season including six at flight one, Antonia Nugent, who won seven matches last season, and Seden Soyalp, who posted an impressive 12-5 record last year.

"I am very lucky to have the three seniors on our team," Ertunga said. "I could not have asked for a better trio of personalities to lead this transitional period."