SE TENNIS TEAM STARTS SEASON AT NET THIS WEEKEND

The `real season' doesn't begin until February, but Southeast Missouri State University's women's tennis team will get an early jump on things this weekend.

Southeast will play the first of three scheduled fall competitions when the Otahkians participate in the St. Louis University Tournament Friday through Sunday.

Otahkian coach Marla Reid said the Otahkians will use the fall schedule as a preparation for the spring season that begins Feb. 28 and culminates with the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in April.

"We're looking forward to the fall schedule," said Reid. "This will give us a chance to figure out our doubles combinations and it gives the team an idea of what we need to do."

Reid, in her fifth season as the Otahkians' coach, has plenty of experienced players back from last year's squad that went 12-7.

Back from last season is the squad's lone senior, Vicky Wood from England.

Also returning are four more international players: juniors Izabella Slowikowska from Poland and Brigitte Stotter from South Africa, along with sophomores Melinda Thomas from Australia and Thais Olive from Spain.

Rounding out the roster are juniors Michelle Gruber from Olney, Ill., and Beth Doerr from St. Louis.

Slowikowska had the Otahkians' best singles record last year, 14-5, while Wood went 12-8.

"All of our players are returning this year and that provides us with a lot of experience as a team," Reid said. "Our players have seen the players and teams in the OVC and we know what to expect."

In addition to this week's St. Louis Tournament, the Otahkians will also host Harding on Oct. 10 and compete in the Memphis Tournament Oct. 24-26 to round out their fall schedule.

Among the highlights of the spring season will be the traditional spring break trip to Hilton Head Island, where the Otahkians will play several matches against various opponents.

Southeast will also face all of the OVC teams in the spring leading up to the league tourney April 17-19.

Reid is looking for a solid season and believes her squad will have a chance to make some noise in the OVC.

"I think we're very mature and very hungry to prove ourselves. Everybody has improved and they're working hard," she said. "We are realistically looking like a top-three team in the conference. I'm excited for the season and see good things for the team this year."

Reid said perennial OVC powers Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee-Martin will likely be the teams to beat in the conference.

"They should be the teams to beat but I think all of the teams are good this year and there should be some exciting dual matches," she said.

Reid will be assisted by Shane Anderson, who is well known in local tennis activities.