Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh to open spring season this weekend
1/31/2008 1:45:00 PM | Women's Tennis
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After posting a 7-12 record and advancing to the semifinals of the Patriot League tournament for the fourth consecutive year, the Lehigh women’s tennis team will look to go even further in 2007-08.
To do that, the Mountain Hawks will have to overcome the loss of seniors Gwen Dwyer and Francesca Murasko-Blank to graduation, and rally around their veteran lineup and newcomers. Dwyer was named the Patriot League Women’s Tennis Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2006-07 and led the Mountain Hawks to victory against
“The loss of Gwen really hurts our lineup,” said Lehigh head coach Dave Shook. “We’re going to put in a lot of hard work to even the playing field with the other teams in the Patriot League this year.”
To replace their number one player, Shook is turning to junior Ariela Cohen.
“We’re waiting to see how Ariela is health wise,” said Shook.
Cohen missed almost all of the 2006-07 season due to injury, playing in only one match.
“If she comes back healthy, she’s a strong number two singles player who could play at number one,” said Shook. “Her presence in the lineup will help us keep players in positions where they can excel. If she’s healthy, she can be very good.”
Going back to 2005-06, Cohen compiled six singles victories to go along with an 8-8 doubles record. She was victorious in three Patriot League doubles contests.
As the lone senior on the team in 2007-08, Alexis Jacobi will look to provide leadership for the younger players.
“Alexis is very dedicated to the team and coaches,” said Shook. “We will be looking for her to take over as the leader of the team. She has the skills to have a breakout senior year for us.”
Jacobi recorded three second singles victories last season and has racked up 20 victories in her three years at Lehigh. She also added two doubles victories to her career total giving her a total of 16.
With the loss of two seniors and a slow recruiting year, Shook is looking for his whole lineup to produce this season. Sophomore Julie Arthofer will be a piece of that puzzle.
Arthofer was named to the All-Patriot League second team in her freshman season after recording seven singles victories, including two Patriot League wins. Arthofer also excelled in doubles where she posted an 8-11 record in her first season.
“Julie is the definition of a tough, Midwestern girl,” said Shook. “She’s the kind of player that has always done a good job for us. She had a great freshman year and she continues to get better.”
Shook also has three juniors looking to make an impact in the lineup. Allie Schwartz won four matches at third singles last season to go along with five doubles wins.
“Allie has gotten much better in the past two years, and we’re looking forward to seeing her play more,” said Shook. Schwartz has 13 career victories in both singles and doubles play.
Ruthie Furman will also be looking to make a bigger impact this season. She recorded four singles wins in 2006-07 as well as five doubles victories.
“Ruthie was a wonderful surprise for us as a walk-on last year,” said Shook. “She clearly has the ability to play Division I tennis.”
Another junior, Victoria Vityuk excelled in her doubles matches last season putting up a 7-2 overall record. She also went 4-3 at sixth singles in 2006-07.
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Overall, Shook sees his team competing hard in the Patriot League. “We definitely have a very solid team, and success will be predicated on how hard we are willing to work and how badly we want it,” he says.
The Mountain Hawks will kick-off the spring season with three matches this weekend at the
