Close-knit netwomen in midst of 'grueling' season

Family ties may be the strongest ties that bind, but the Penn State women's tennis team believes it has something stronger.

The Lady Lions are more than just a team, they are a close-knit sisterhood. Although many of the members have played together for only a season or two, they have a bond that serves as an extension of their chemistry on the court.

Penn State finished No. 7 in the Big Ten last year with an overall record of 10-10 and a 2-8 record in the conference. While Montgomery said the team is hoping for better results this year, wins may not come easily.

In addition to powerhouses such as Purdue and Michigan, the team will face other strong opponents outside the Big Ten, such as Rice.

Whiteside said another thing that will work to the team's advantage is extended home schedule. The Lions will be on home court for eight of their 10 matches this season.

"Our season's going to be grueling, but it's a nice thing to have more home matches than away matches," Whiteside said. "We're definitely looking forward to that."

One thing the team does not have to rely on is the solid play of Olga Novikova, who graduated after a stellar season last year. Novikova finished her season ranked No. 82, high enough to qualify for the NCAA Singles Championships.

Although Novikova's play carried the Lions at times last year, Whiteside said the team has enough talent and experience to fill her position.

In Novikova's absence, Montgomery has stepped up to fill the No. 1 position and paired up with sophomore Alison Barnett, Novikova's doubles partner, to help the team rise to the top.

The tandem of Montgomery and Barnett is currently ranked No. 22 in the nation, a plateau that Novikova and Barnett were not able to reach.

"At first I thought losing Olga would affect us a lot," Montgomery said. "She and Ali (Barnett) were a terrific doubles team, but I guess me and Ali are doing OK without her."

Another thing that will help the Lions' transition is the addition of three freshmen: Teresa Whiteside (no relation), Kate Ovelman and Elizabeth Stanko.

"Teresa Whiteside's a strong player and she's coming along well," coach Whiteside said. "She and Kate Ovelman are a real shining spot in the lineup."

Not only are the freshmen progressing well on the court, they are quickly being pulled into the team's sisterhood, something that will most likely benefit the entire team in the long run.

"We're so close as a team and I think that's one thing that's unique about us," sophomore Kimberly Luff said. "That's one way we're going to be able to beat some of the teams ahead of us."