GEORGETOWN, Texas - The Southwestern women’s tennis team has been hard at work on the courts and have brought a renewed focus and dedication with them to begin their fall season of the 2009-2010 school year.

Six Pirates return from a team that finished with a 9-7 record and came in eighth place at the SCAC Conference Tournament in the Spring. Among the returners are SCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention selections junior Kelly Finn (pictured) and senior Mary Pennington.

Senior Emily Gutzmer returns to Southwestern after a year of study abroad and will provide extra depth to the Pirate lineup while five first-years join the team. “I am excited to see the contributions our first-year players will make this Fall,” states Coach Lester Sombito. “My expectations are high and the majority of that responsibility falls onto our sophomore, junior, and senior class.”

“This year has started off a lot differently than previous years, with more focus and dedication to doing the work in order to reach the goals we have set for ourselves,” explains Coach Sombito. “I'm excited to begin this journey with them."

The Pirates open the season in Brownwood, Texas against Howard Payne University. Matches are slated to begin at 10:00 am.