Sunday, May 12, 2002
Freshmen make Muskies matter
College Update
By Shannon Russell, srussell@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Xavier University tennis coach Jim Brockhoff crossed his arms, watched and waited as nine women's players challenged for the Musketeers' singles and doubles positions last fall.
The XU coach for 40 years was eager to see the improvements in seniors Beth Abraham, Kerrie Kramer and Emily Senich; juniors Lindsay Dressman, Maggie Nafziger and Katy Wiles; and sophomore Kate Weightman, all of whom contributed to a 15-7 2001 season.
But Brockhoff was shocked when two unlikely prospects swept the competition: freshmen Lauren Clary and Stephanie Bauer.
“We knew they were going to be good, but we didn't know how good. And they turned out to be very, very good,” Brockhoff said.
Clary, a 2001 Indiana state champion and four-year first-singles player, won Xavier's first-singles position. Bauer, a three-year Ohio doubles champion from Upper Arlington High School, earned No. 2 singles. Both teamed up for first doubles.
Weightman said she didn't mind being pushed back to third singles and second doubles.
“It's OK with me, because it means we're that much better towards the back,” Weightman said. “Not only is our team stronger, it's also pretty young.”
Clary, a psychology major with a 4.0 GPA, said Xavier had the right mix of academics and athletics for her. Bauer, an education major with a 3.8 GPA, said the college transition was easy, thanks to a welcoming team and tips from her brother, Aaron, who plays with the men's program.
Both freshman said the toughest part of the season was convincing opponents Xavier was formidable.
The team won six straight matches between January and February, then five of its next eight. Despite the success, a 4-2 Atlantic 10 loss to George Washington on April 5 seemed to hurt the Muskies' perception.
“By the time we got to the A-10 Tournament, no one was expecting anything from us,” Bauer said. “We had everything to gain.”
The Muskies defeated Massachusetts 4-1 in the opening round of the league tournament April 19, then faced George Washington in the semifinals. Xavier avenged its regular-season loss with a 4-2 win.
“A lot of times, people haven't acknowledged how good we are, and sometimes we get overshadowed by other teams.” Weightman said. “It was good to go out there and prove ourselves and walk off with that GW win.”
Xavier fell to Richmond 4-0 in the A-10 final, but second place was the Musketeers' best finish in the conference tournament.
Clary, who finished the season 30-6 in singles and 23-6 in doubles, was named the Atlantic 10's Most Outstanding Performer, Most Outstanding Rookie Performer and first-team all-conference. She is only the third women's player in conference history to earn the first two honors in the same season.
“I couldn't believe it when I found out. I wasn't expecting it at all,” Clary said. “All I wanted to do was help the team in any way possible. This team is constantly improving, and I wanted to add to that.”
Bauer also was named first-team all-conference with a 25-10 second-singles record and the shared doubles record.
Brockhoff credited his team's work ethic for the 15-8 record and second place A-10 finish. Losing to Richmond wasn't so disheartening, considering the caliber of its program, he said. Richmond offers eight full scholarships; Xavier offers the equivalent of two scholarships, which are divided among its players.
Brockhoff is eager to see what next year's rookies can do. Brockhoff said four players already have committed to the program: Sarah Potts, Emily Tuchscherer, Andrea Kelley and Kristen Clary, Lauren's sister.
“We played so well this year that I only see us doing better in the next three years,” Clary said. “I see us winning the A-10 and moving on to the NCAA Tournament.”
“It was a great year for a freshman year,” Bauer said. “This is what all the work was for.”
Others:
Harvard junior guard Brady Merchant (Lebanon), a three-year letter-winner who averaged 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, was elected captain of the 2002-2003 men's basketball team.
Mount St. Joseph's Julie Wise (Kings) was selected the 2002 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's softball Most Valuable Player. The senior right fielder led the Lions to a Division III NCAA Tournament berth by batting .500. Pitcher Kati Stroub (New Richmond) won freshman of the year. Stroub was 4-2 in the HCAC with a 1.30 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings. Other Mount St. Joseph all-conference players include Stephanie Schram and Christy Stath.
Northern Kentucky University's Todd Asalon was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference coach of the year in baseball. Asalon led NKU to its first GLVC regular-season championship since 1989. Senior Lenny Bays was named GLVC pitcher of the year. Pitcher Josh Whaley, first baseman Steve Walton, catcher Jason Martin and outfielder Justin Rahschulte were named first-team All-GLVC. Third baseman Pat Eschan was named to the league's second team.
Brian Link (Oak Hills) was named to the Region XII second team in men's soccer while playing at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College.
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Freshmen make Muskies matter
