Women’s tennis continues to grow at PSU

After only four years in action at Portland State, the women’s tennis program has shown considerable growth.

“This is the first year that we’ve really been ready to compete at the Division I level,” said head coach Leslie Lewis. “We have a complete team, and I knew that the new players coming in this year would be up to it.”

Some of those new players include freshman Katie Owens (currently in the one spot), who was the No. 1 singles player on her team all four years at Emerald Ridge High School. Freshman Denise Cockrell, a graduate of Southridge High School, will be moving up to the two spot. Cockrell has lost some close matches recently but is only expected to improve as the season progresses. Junior Lisa Bessman, a transfer student from the University of Portland, is moving up to the three spot.

With a group of experienced and competitive players already assembled, the team is only lacking one element.

“We’re trying to find a leader,” Lewis admits. “We’ve got great players, but we haven’t had anyone step up to perform that role. When that happens, you’ll be able to see a difference.”

At the halfway point of a schedule that has for the first time included such noteworthy opponents as the University of Oregon, University of Portland and Wyoming, the Vikings have proved they have what it takes to win. At 4-7, the team has already surpassed its win total of three from last season.

This past weekend, the Vikings defeated Eastern Washington for the second time this season, 5-2. They went on to lose to Wyoming 4-3 on Sunday, despite their victory in the doubles competition.

Next up, the team will get a few weeks off before heading to Orlando for four matches against Florida Gulf Coast, Jacksonville State, Southwest Missouri State and Towson on March 24-27. Florida will offer a welcome change of climate.

“Tennis is supposed to be an outdoor sport,” Lewis said. “But because of where we live, we’ve been forced to play inside a lot of the time. Heat, sun and wind are all elements of the game. The players are looking forward to the new competition.”