Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: Sports

Sophomore Laura Goodfield in action.

Assistant coach and Cabrini alum Jen Keller returns the ball.

The Cabrini women's tennis team is off to a sensational start on their season. With their current record standing at 7-0, this year's team of 9 seasoned players remains undefeated within the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

"We started off as a team of fifteen; then, last year we were down to thirteen. This year there are only 9 players and I wouldn't change that. I like coaching a smaller team, sometimes things can get a little hectic with a larger team," coach John Magee said.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Cabrini defeated one of their strongest competitors, Misericordia, 7-2. The match marked the team's twenty-eighth consecutive PAC win.

The Lady Cavaliers have now conquered all three of their biggest rivals, which included both Gwynned-Mercy and Marywood.

"I think the fact that we were able to defeat our biggest rivals says a lot about our improvements and where we are as a team," junior English and communication major Carolyn Wilson said, regarding the team's recent victories over their top competitors.

In 2004, under the guidance of Magee, the Lady Cavs won the PAC championships setting the pace for their 2005 season. This year, the team is well on their way to its third straight title.

Should the Lady Cavs win their third straight title this year, the team would be guaranteed a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.

"It's exciting. This would make Cabrini College history; we would be the first women's tennis team in the schools history to be granted this privilege," said Magee.

According to sophomore and PAC player of the year, Dina DiTaranto, a sophomore fine arts major, the team's accomplishments, improvements and attitudes can all be attributed to the intense coaching provided by Magee, the support they give one another and their devotion to tennis.

"This year especially, I've tried to stress a higher level of play. The team has truly responded to me as a coach and you don't really get that a lot. They really support one another," Magee said.

The Lady Cavaliers have not slowed down since they first hit the court this September. They are unified as a team by their drive, ambitions, and accomplishments for this season.

"We are here for the same reason. We all love tennis. It's definitely all about being a team," DiTaranto said.

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