2007 Outlook

The Belles tennis program will look to a solid group of returning players to help bring them back to the success they had just a few years ago. After winning four straight conference tournament titles from 2001-04, Saint Mary’s hasn’t been able to claim a championship since then.

Leading the charge this season will be Kelly McDavitt. Last season she played primarily at the No. 2 singles spots and claimed a fourth place finish in that flight at the MIAA championship. As a junior last season, she served as one of the co-captains of the squad and she is expected to be one of the team leaders both on the court and as a team captain.

“Kelly is one of the hardest working players that I have coached. She will set the tone each match for the rest of the team,” head coach Dee Stevenson said. “She will also be looked upon to provide leadership both on and off the court.”

Mary Elizabeth Campbell played a vital role last season at the No. 4 singles slot and is expected to provide a spark in the line-up again this season. after posting 11 singles wins last season. Tara O’Brien, who played consistently at the No. 5 singles spot last year, rounds out the returning players who were regulars in the singles line-up. The senior posted an 11 win campaign last year in singles while teaming up with Campbell at the final doubles spot.

Senior Grace Gordon filled in on numerous occasions in the singles line-up last season producing eight victories while teaming up with former four-time all-conference honoree Kristin Palombo at the No. 2 double spot.

“We will rely on the returning players a great deal. However, during the pre-season I would like to see some of the first year players raise the level of competition on the team,” Stevenson said.