BRADFORD, Pa. - A youthful, yet experienced women's tennis team returns to Pitt-Bradford to begin the 2014 season.  

Head coach Susan Schenfield, entering her seventh season at the helm of the women's tennis program, identified senior Jamie VanAlstine as the leader of the team. "Jaime has demonstrated consistency and defensive skills throughout her career," said Schenfield. "We will be depending on her continuing these strengths in singles and doubles this season."

Senior Shaina Reddinger and junior Emily Fowkes will add talent and leadership to the Panthers' roster. "Shaina is effective from every part of the court," stated Schenfield. "She keeps her opponents moving with aggressive volleys and overheads throughout the match."

Fowkes brings experience to the team and a strong work ethic. "She has compact ground strokes and in doubles, she played the first spot while playing a combination of first and second singles," remarked Schenfield. According to the head coach, Fowkes uses skillful strategy to limit the options of her competitors.

Sophomore Amy Thomas returns and was the 2013 team leader in singles during her rookie season. "Amy has the ability to use her skills to read opponents and use effective shots to win points consistently," said Schenfield.

While the returners seemed to have solidified a legacy to this point, the new players will be looking to establish identities of their own. Freshman Alexa Holleran, a top player from Norwin High School, blends her offensive and defensive skills well. "Alexa is a shot maker from both wings," said the head coach.

Freshman Alexandra Claherty should provide depth to the Panthers' roster. "Her ground strokes are impressive and she carries a confidence about her," remarked Schenfield. Freshman Margaret Hansen has agility and quickness on the court that should carry her to several victories.

Combining the experience of the veteran players with the incoming talent, Pitt-Bradford will have the depth to make a run for the conference title. "Our team strategy will be to focus on our doubles matches," said Schenfield when asked what fans can expect from this year's team. "Players will be working together to hone their skills, tactics and game plan to improve on last year's doubles record."

She went on to say that even though the squad is young, the success from previous seasons will be used as a confidence builder. "With our 'believe and achieve' attitude, this program is set for another exciting season on the courts," said Schenfield.

Pitt-Bradford begins the 2014 season on Friday, Sept. 5. The Panthers travel to Houghton to take on the Highlanders in a 4 p.m. match.