Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Westminster (18-0, 9-0 PAC in 2011) broke the school record for wins in a season a year ago and will be vying for their first PAC championship in 2012.

"Last year has nothing to do with this year," said veteran head coach Scott Renninger. "It's a special thing that it was the first undefeated women's team in school history, but we can't build from last year. The one thing that we can take from last year is the fact that we can win."

Senior Alex Bailey (Murrysville, PA / Franklin Regional), the defending PAC champion at no. 2 singles, is back for her final year. Bailey has a 25-match winning streak dating back two years ago.

"Alex loves to compete," said Renninger. "This is something that has been probably instilled by her father Bill Bailey '86 (who holds school records in singles wins for a season and career singles and doubles victories)."

Bailey will be competing against junior Caitlin Hosler (Lititz, PA / Manheim Central) for the no. 1 singles spot this year. The duo was 20-1 last year at no. 1 doubles.

Also looking to compete is senior Jane Larson (Warren, PA / Warren) who is a three-year starter at the no. 3 singles.

"I expect a highly productive season from Jane this year, no doubt about that," said Renninger. Junior Heather Santa (Butler, PA / Butler), a two-year letter winner, will most likely position at the no. 4 singles.

"There's a quote that I tell my players to save somewhere," said Renninger. "Yesterday is history, learn from it. Tomorrow is a mystery, prepare for it. Today is the greatest gift of all. Be excited and live it to the fullest. We just prepare today to be the best tomorrow. They have been working hard this offseason with blisters on their hands and sore muscles to show for it, but they haven't relented. They're putting the time and effort in and sometimes it's tough but hopefully that toughness comes out on the court too."

About Westminster College...
Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College ranks first in the nation as "Best College for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math," according to Forbes.com. Westminster, a top-tier liberal arts college, ranks third in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Best Colleges guide. Westminster ranked 6th among liberal arts colleges in social mobility, according to the Washington Monthly College Guide, and is one of the most affordable national liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 377 Colleges" by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 42 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa., campus. Visit www.westminster.edu/advantage to view "Advantage: Westminster" A Strategic Plan 2010-2020.