Yellow Jackets Place Two on Preseason Players-to-Watch List

GREENWOOD, Ind. – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference released its preseason poll and players to watch for the upcoming women's tennis season on Tuesday. Defiance received 19 points, which placed it ninth in the poll. Two Yellow Jackets landed on the Players-to-Watch List.

Kirsten Wieland and Catie Savage were recognized by the HCAC coaches as players who could make an impact on the upcoming conference season.

Wieland is a sophomore, who looks to build on the experience she gained as a freshman last season. Wieland played all 16 matches at the number one singles position and 16 matches at the number one doubles position last fall. Wieland is expected to lead the Jackets at the same positions this year.

Savage is also returning as a sophomore for the upcoming season. Savage played number two singles and number one doubles with the aforementioned Wieland last season. DC will count on Savage to continually improve and progress as a player this upcoming year.

Other notable Yellow Jackets are Samantha Stephens, Tasha Brown, Danielle LaBarbera and newcomer Cassie Morris.

Rose-Hulman was selected first in the conference receiving 96 total points, including eight first place votes. Following the Fightin' Engineers were Transylvania (87), Manchester (73), Anderson (67) and Franklin (61).

The Yellow Jackets open up their season against Huntington University on September 1 at 4 p.m. Their first home match is against Rose-Hulman on September 17 at 10 a.m. at the Dix Tennis Facility.