Undoubtedly the mast successful program in the history of athletics at Mary Washington College, the women's tennis program captured three national championships in the 1980's and 1990's. That foundation af success continued to produce results in the new millenium, as the Eagles, under first year head caach Cindy Vander Berg, advanced to the NCAA Championship tournament for the fourteenth time since 1983 last spring. Led by a quartet of juniors, the Eagles also captured their tenth consecutive Capital Athletic Conference championship.
Junior number one Lea Schon, a three-time CAC Player of the Year, advanced to the second round at the national Division III singles tournament for the second consecutive season. In the fall, Schon advanced all the way to the ITA National Small College National Championship final, the first time in MWC's illustrious
history that a player has advanced so far. Classmate Emily Sutliff played very well at #3 singles, capturing a CAC crown for the third straight year.
Sutliff, Schon, and sophomore Steffany Slaughter advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. Juniors Ashley Knapp and Ashley Roeting stepped into the lineup in 2000. Knapp, after a one year layoff, fared well at number four singles, and with Schon won the CAC championship at #1 doubles without allowing a game to their opponents. Roeting, a transfer from the University of Delaware, wan the CAC championship at #5 singles.
Slaughter, who moved up from number five singles to number two this year, played above anyone's expectations, winning the CAC title at #2, and defeating several highly-ranked opponents. Her emergence was a major factor in MWC's success. Sophomore Sarah Sachen also returns for 2000-2001, keeping the top six intact. Sachen advanced to the CAC champianship at number six singles and number two doubles. Other players competing far the top six are Emily Azukas, Kirsten Agee, Sarah Breeding, Nancy Clark, Dena Heath, Brandy Nelson, and a top-rate group af recruits, who will push the veterans for roster spots and playing time.
The 1999-2000 season was a memorable one for the Eagles, as they raced toward a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. After a full Fall schedule that included flighted tournaments at Washington & Lee University and the ITA Regianals at MWC, the Eagles tackled Division One foes in flighted brackets at Mount St. Mary's College and the US Military Academy at West Point, and dropped a 5-4 dual match to George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
The highlight of the fall season was the play of number one Lea Schon, who. advanced all the way to the national final af the ITA national championship. tournament, Schon, who had lost in the regional final, came back to defeat W&L's Brook Hartzell in the second round at the ITA.
The spring 2000 season saw the Eagles start with four consecutive victories on their annual southern trip to Hilton Head Island,SC. Included were 7-2 wins over Methodist College, Vassar College, and Meredith College, and a thrilling 5-4 win over the University of Rochester.
After dropping a pair of matches to Division One Howard University and rival Washington & Lee University, the Eagles rebounded to close the regular season with six wins in their final seven dual matches, and captured their tenth straight Capital Athletic Conference championship, Included in those victories were wins over Division One Mount St. Mary's College, Longwood College, Salisbury State University, Sweet Briar College, and a thrilling 5-4 win over the College of New Jersey in the regular season finale.
The Eagles embarked on their NCAA Tournament trek to Amherst, Massachussetts, where they had a rematch with the College of New Jersey in the opening round. Despite falling to the Lions, 5-4, the young Eagles garnered valuable experience on the national level, which should add to their successes in 2000-2001.