2008 Season In Review

With 4 starters in their first or second year with the program, the Soaring Eagles women’s Tennis team looked to this fall as another year of growth and development. Under the guidance of Coach Phil Levkanich the Soaring Eagles compiled a 3-8 record 1-7 in the Empire 8.

Leading the way for the Soaring Eagles netters in 2008 were a talented group of young yet experienced players. Second year player Rebecca Kingman ’11 (Hamilton, NJ -- Steinert) and first year players Alexandra Putney ’12 (Dundee, NY -- Hammondsport) and Bri Palmiero ’12 (Rochester, NY – Bishop Kearney) would have a solid season at doubles and singles for the Purple and Gold.

In singles, Kingman garnered Empire 8 All Conference Honorable Mention for the second year running while compiling a 3-8 record at second singles. Despite the record, Kingman would fall in multiple tie-breakers and three sets to some of the conferences toughest and most seasoned competitors.

Palmiero and Putney had solid seasons in the bottom of the Soaring Eagles lineup. Putney compiled a 5-6 record at sixth singles for Elmira. With that, she would capture victories over conference opponents Utica College and Alfred. Partnered with Palmiero at third doubles the tandem would lead the Soaring Eagles doubles lineup with 5 victories.

Providing veteran leadership were Emily Talbot ’09 (Cazenovia, NY -- Cazenovia), Dani Oaxaca ’09 (Rancho Cucamonga, CA -- Rancho Cucamonga), Alia Pyros ’10 (Shavertown, PA -- Dallas) and Desiree Calderella ’10 (Pittsfield, MA -- Taconic).

Talbot would see time at both the top spots in doubles and singles and would provide valuable leadership as the only fourth year player on the squad anchoring a tough Soaring Eagles lineup. Behind her, Oaxaca, Calderella, and Pyros would rally to find crucial wins against Utica, Oswego and Pitt-Bradford while providing the depth and experience in the tough Empire 8 Conference.

The Purple and Gold will look to Kit Stebbins ’12 (Scotia, NY -- Scotia- Glenville), Brittany LaFountain ’12 (Scotia, NY -- Scotia-Glennville) and Sabrina Zinter ’11 (Cordova, MD -- St. Michaels) to fight for time in next years lineup. With a foundation laid and the strides made this year, the Soaring Eagles look to build upon this year in preparation for next season.

The team will lose Emily Talbot ’09, Dani Oaxaca ’09, Julie Shackford ’09 (Hooksett, NH -- Central), and Korilynn Hornick ’09 (Owego, NY -- Newark Valley) to graduation.