OCT. 10-12 — Leafs Advance To Team Regional Competition. . .Again
Third-place finish in MCC Tournament gets squad to regional for second time in school history

Senior Jennifer Springer Sophomore Sarah Yoder

Indianapolis, IN — Duplicating its feat from last season, the Goshen College women’s tennis team has again advanced to national regional competition after finishing as the third place team in this weekend’s Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament at the RCA Tennis Complex in Indianapolis. It is only the second time in school history — and the second time in the last two years — that the Leafs have accomplished such team success.

By NAIA rules, the top three teams from each conference tournament automatically receive a berth in national regional competition (which, for Goshen, will be held in May 2003 at the RCA Tennis Complex in Indianapolis). Last year, Goshen finished with a second-place finish in the tournament. This year was a bit tougher, as the Leafs (9 points) took home third place, falling behind only to champ Indiana Wesleyan (25 points) and Bethel (12 points).

“It was quite an event,” Goshen head coach Leon Brenneman said of the tournament. “We knew going in that it was going to be tough to place in the top three. I’m truly proud of this team. They have worked extremely hard all season and had just enough to earn a regional position. We are all very pleased to have an ‘extended season.’”

Goshen was paced by its doubles teams, which went a total 5-3 for the tournament in garnering five of Goshen’s nine team points. Senior Jennifer Springer and junior Sarah Yoder led the way at the number one doubles position, taking two out of three matches in defeating Grace and Taylor. The same could be said for the Leafs’ number three doubles team of freshman Allison Miller and junior Gill Zoss, who defeated Marian and Taylor. Eventual team champion Indiana Wesleyan was the only team to defeat Goshen at either the number one or three doubles slots.

“We were very fortunate to score five of our nine points in doubles,” Brenneman said. “We had two key wins over Taylor at one and three doubles that were ‘must wins’ to earn the final regional position.”

When it was all said and done, however, Goshen could truly look to its lone senior in Springer as a big reason for its team success. Springer went 2-1 at her number one singles position, defeating the top player from Huntington and Bethel before falling to Wesleyan’s top athlete. Springer then paired with an injured Yoder — a nagging foot injury cost Yoder a legitimate chance at truly competing in singles play — at the number one doubles slot to again take two out of three matches.

“What can I say about Jennifer?” Brenneman said. “Our team captain really came through for us with two extremely hard-earned victories at the number one singles position over Huntington and Bethel. Then she teamed with spirited but injured Sarah Yoder to get two more points at number one doubles, including fighting off a match point against Taylor.”

As a result of their play, both Yoder and Springer were named to the all-tournament team, a fitting end for the senior that did it all season long and the injured, courageous Yoder. Goshen will again travel to Indianapolis for team regional competition in May of 2003. Check back to this site for match times and details this spring.
Final Results: (Top three teams advance to regional competition in May 2003)
Indiana Wesleyan –25
Bethel –12
Goshen –9
Taylor –8
Marian –7
Huntington –2
Grace –0
St. Francis –0
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (GO) def. Becky Harness (H) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3
def. Sarah Mater (B) 7-6, 7-6
lost to Sarah Dukeman (IW) 6-4, 6-4
#2 Sarah Yoder (GO) lost to Brooke Reed (M) 6-4, 6-4
#3 Katie Beck (GO) def. Leslie Davis (T) 6-3, 6-4
lost to Julie Beekman (IW) 6-0, 6-0
#4 Emily Gingerich (GO) def. Katie Turner (H) 6-2, 6-4
lost to Emily Lamport (B) 7-5, 6-2
#5 Allison Miller (GO) lost to Kristel Bailin (T) 6-1, 6-2
#6 Steph Schmidt (GO) lost to Jenny Hoyt (T) 6-3, 6-3
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (GO) def. Ellis/Hueni (GR) 6-3, 6-0
def. Clark/May (T) 7-6, 4-6, 7-5
lost to Beekman/Dukeman (IW) 6-3, 6-0
#2 Beck/Gingerich (GO) def. Stuckey/Henley (GR) 6-0, 6-0
lost to Spellmeyer/Koenig (M) 6-2, 0-6, 6-1
#3 Miller/ Jill Zoss (GO) def. Pswarayi/O'Conner (M) 6-2, 6-4
def. Bailin/Johnson (T) 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
lost to Hedgebeth/Carrel (IW) 6-3, 6-1

Tough loss: Senior Jennifer Springer, seen here receiving a serve in an earlier-season match, lost at the number one singles slot for the first time this season Monday. Anderson's Angie Janutolo defeated the Goshen ace, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Goshen, IN — Playing its last regular season match on an evening that seemed better suited for football, the Goshen College women’s tennis team defeated Anderson by an 8-1 count to head into Mid-Central Conference Tournament action on a three-match winning streak.

The win, however, did not come without disappointment for Goshen (9-2, 5-2). Playing in temperatures near 40 degrees, senior Jennifer Springer was defeated for the first time this season at the number one singles position. Anderson’s Angie Janutolo knocked off the Leafs’ only senior by a count of 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

“Of course it was disappointing to see Jennifer's undefeated streak come to an end, but Anderson's number one really put forth an outstanding effort,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach.

Springer did get a mild form of revenge, however, when she and sophomore Sarah Yoder beat Janutolo and her partner at the number one doubles slot by an 8-5 score.

Aside from Springer’s loss at number one singles the Leafs dominated, winning all matches in straight sets. Yoder (number two singles) and junior Emily Gingerich (number four singles) each were able to blank their Anderson counterparts in one set.

“It was good to see Jen and Sarah come back strong to win the doubles,” Brenneman said. “Overall, it was a very good team effort. Everyone seems to be playing sharp and gearing up for the MCC.”

Goshen will travel to the RCA Tennis Complex in Indianapolis on Thursday to compete in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament. Match play begins at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.
Singles:
#1 Angie Janutolo (A) def. Jennifer Springer (G) 2-6, 7-5, 6-2
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Amy Webb (A) 6-0, 6-3
#3 Katie Beck (G) def. Kessa Rrroeder (A) 6-2, 6-4
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def. Paige Bolhus (A) 6-1, 6-0
#5 Allison Miller (G) def. Angie Heyne (A) 6-1, 7-5
#6 Steph Schmidt (G) def. Jessica Scheuermann (A) 6-1, 6-1
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) def. Janutolo/Webb (A) 8-5
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Roeder/Scheuermann (A) 8-2
#3 Miller/Jill Zoss (G) def. Bolhus/Heyne (A) 8-5

Winning look: Sophomore Sarah Yoder smokes a serve to her number two singles counterpart in Tri-State’s Katie Vanderbeck. Yoder won her match in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1, playing extremely aggressive tennis.

Goshen, IN — After a late van ride home from a 9-0 win over St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer last night, the Goshen College women’s tennis team had to turn things around quickly as Tri-State visited Goshen Thursday. Playing two matches in less than 24 hours proved no problem for the Leafs, however, as they disposed of the Thunder by an 8-1 count, winning all eight matches in straight sets. Goshen’s only defeat on the afternoon came at the number three singles position, where sophomore Katie Beck suffered a tough defeat by Tri-State’s Nicole Digert 6-4, 7-5.

“It was great to see the ladies come out ready to play tonight after a late one last night,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Katie had a tough match at three, but is anxious to get back on the winning side.”

Goshen (8-2, 5-2) will host Anderson next Monday in a make-up date contest. Brenneman said he hopes his team’s consistent play — the Leafs have won six of their last seven matches — can continue once the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tournament begins on Oct. 10.

“I'm pleased to see everyone peaking at this point of the season,” Brenneman said. “We hope to carry this momentum into our last match on Monday, then into the MCC beginning Thursday.”

Goshen’s Monday match with Anderson is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. It will be the Leafs’ final home match of the year.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Jamie Rifenburgh (T) 6-1, 6-2
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Katie Vanderbeck (T) 6-0, 6-1
#3 Nicole Digert (T) def. Katie Beck (G) 6-4, 7-5
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def. Jennifer Pape (T) 6-4, 6-4
#5 Allison Miller (G) def. Nicole Fisher (T) 6-2, 6-1
#6 Steph Schmidt (G) def. Susan Brouse (T) 6-0, 6-0
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) def. Rifenburgh/Vanderbeck (T) 7-5, 6-0
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Pape/Fisher (T) 6-1, 6-2
#3 Miller/Jill Zoss (G) def. Dygert/Beth Hancock (T) 6-1, 6-2

Junior Emily Gingerich Sophomore Sarah Yoder

Rensselaer, IN — Goshen made it a quick trip to St. Joseph’s Wednesday afternoon, beating the Pumas 9-0 while winning all sets in straight fashion. Goshen was led by sophomore Sarah Yoder at the second singles position and junior Emily Gingerich at the fourth singles spot, with each winning by 6-1, 6-0 counts.

“St. Joe is definitely in a building year,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “We pretty much took care of business at every position. Our main goal at this point is to keep our focus mentally and stay sharp physically as we approach our last few matches and prepare for post-season play.”

The Leafs (7-2, 5-2) only lost a combined three games in all three of its doubles matches, with the third doubles position winning by default, as St. Joseph did not provide athletes for the match. The same could be said for the number six singles position, which Maple Leaf junior Steph Schmidt won by default.

Goshen will turn right around and play again Thursday — the team hosts Tri-State for a 4 p.m. match.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Melissa Bachani (SJ) 6-2,6-0
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Loretta Clevenger (SJ) 6-1, 6-0
#3 Katie Beck (G) def. Katie Davet (SJ) 6-4, 6-4
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def. Candace Northam (SF) 6-1, 6-0
#5 Allison Miller (G) def. Christie Vaneyk (SJ) 6-1, 6-2
#6 Steph Schmidt (G) won by default
Doubles:
#1 Springer/ Yoder (G) def. Bachani/ Northam (SJ) 8-1
#2 Beck/ Gingerich (G) def. Clevenger/ Vaneyk (SJ) 8-2
#3 Miller/ Jill Zoss (G) won by default

Freshman Allison Miller Junior Steph Schmidt

Fort Wayne, IN — Just two days after competing against the toughest team in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference, Goshen saw the other end of the spectrum on Thursday. Facing a clearly lesser opponent in MCC foe St. Francis, Goshen (6-2, 5-2) took its first 9-0 victory of the season, winning every singles match in straight sets and giving a total of three games to the Cougars in doubles matches combined.

“In fairness to St. Francis, we had them outmatched throughout the lineup,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “I was proud of the way we handled ourselves keeping up our intensity and taking care of business. It’s nice to get a solid win for confidence going into the final regular season stretch leading into post-season play.”

Brenneman had a difficult time in trying to identify a true “leader” on the afternoon, as the entire squad played well and dominated St. Francis. Sophomore Katie Beck (number three singles), freshman Allison Miller (number five singles) and junior Steph Schmidt (number six singles) all blanked their opponents in one set, while senior Jennifer Springer and junior Sarah Yoder took care of business at the first doubles position, winning 8-0. Miller and junior Gill Zoss also blanked their Cougar counterparts at the number three doubles slot.

Goshen will have nearly a week off before traveling to St. Joe next Wednesday. Match time is slated for 4 p.m.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Kristen Harrow (SF) 6-2,6-1
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Liz Clark (SF) 6-2, 6-1
#3 Katie Beck (G) def. Megan Chenault (SF) 6-0, 6-4
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def. Cindy Maldonado (SF) 6-2, 6-1
#5 Allison Miller (G) def. Michi Yamono (SF) 6-0, 6-2
#6 Steph Schmidt (G) def. Jayme Knafel (SF) 6-0, 6-2
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) dwf. Harrow/Chenault (IW) 8-0
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Yamono/Clark (IW) 8-3
#3 Miller/ Jill Zoss (G) def. Maldonado/ Jennifer Workman (IW) 8-0

Serving up perfection: Senior Jennifer Springer rifles a serve against Indiana Wesleyan’s Sarah Dukeman in number one singles action Tuesday. Springer retained her undefeated season as the Leafs’ top player in defeating Dukeman 6-4, 6-4. Springer’s win marked the first time in 81 matches that an Indiana Wesleyan player was beaten this season.

Goshen, IN — Indiana Wesleyan may have continued to be the figurative monkey on Goshen’s back Tuesday — the Wildcats defeated Goshen by an 8-1 count — but all was not lost for the Leafs against their toughest Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival. Senior Jennifer Springer continued her amazing play as Goshen’s number one singles player, defeating Indiana Wesleyan’s Sarah Dukeman in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. The win kept Springer undefeated at the top spot for the season, but also ended a streak for Indiana Wesleyan: Springer's win was the first match that Indiana Wesleyan had lost — at any position in nine contests — so far this year.

“What can I say about Jennifer?” Goshen head coach Leon Brenneman asked following her victory. “Not only did she keep her undefeated season alive, but she broke Wesleyan’s 81-match winning streak.”

The play between Springer and Dukeman could be described as heated, at minimum. Several points went on for an excess of 10 volleys and emotions were running high. At one point the coaches from both teams pondered the idea of sending line judges in to call the match.

“Beating Dukeman in straight sets is a great win in itself, but she showed a very high level of poise and sportsmanship in the way she handled herself throughout the match,” Brenneman said. “I couldn’t ask for better leadership from our senior captain.”

Aside from Springer, Goshen (6-2, 4-2) had trouble collecting mathces, but not games. The Leafs were able to compete with the Widcats, as Wesleyan has become accustomed to winning 6-0, 6-0 at all of its positions. No Leaf was blanked on Tuesday, and junior Sarah Yoder took the number two singles spot to three games, but lost to Kristi Shuck 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.

“If ever an 8-1 loss could be considered a victory, this is it,” Brenneman said. “Sarah had a great match at number two pushing an undefeated player to three sets. We played well at every position and scored well throughout the line-up.”

The Leafs will not have long to think about this team defeat. Goshen will host MCC foe St. Francis on Thursday. Match time is set for 4 p.m.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Sarah Dukeman (IW) 6-4, 6-4
#2 Kristi Shuck (IW) def. Sarah Yoder (G) 6-1, 4-6, 6-1
#3 Julie Beekman (IW) def. Katie Beck (G) 6-1, 6-4
#4 Adrianne shapario (IW) def. Emily Gingerich (G) 6-2, 6-2
#5 Diana Hedgebeth (IW) def. Allison Miller (G) 6-2, 6-4
#6 Erin Carrel (IW) def. Steph Schmidt (G) 6-1,6-1
Doubles:
#1 Dukeman/Beekman (IW) def. Springer/Yoder (G) 8-1
#2 Shuck/Shapiro (IW) def. Beck/Gingerich (G) 8-4
#3 Hedgebeth/Carrel (IW) def. Miller/Jill Zoss (G) 8-3

Backhanded compliment: Junior Gill Zoss returns a shot during the number three doubles match at Grace Saturday. Zoss and her partner, junior Steph Schmidt, defeated their Grace counterparts 8-3.

Winona Lake, IN — Goshen made easy work of Grace Saturday, winning the match by an 8-1 score after nearly sweeping all spots from the Lancers. Junior Stephanie Schmidt was the only Maple Leaf to fall, and her match at number six singles went the entire three-game distance. All other singles positions were won by Goshen (5-1, 4-1) in straight sets.

“Our ladies were in the mood to take care of business today,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “Grace is in a bit of a building year, but they are a rapidly improving team.”

Brenneman made note of the play of junior Sarah Yoder at number two singles, sophomore Katie Beck at number three and junior Emily Gingerich at number four as being the leaders of the afternoon.

“Sarah (Yoder), Katie (Beck) and Emily (Gingerich) all looked especially sharp,” Brenneman said. “It's also nice to see our doubles teams take control of matches. We have some nice chemistry going there.”

Goshen has just two days to prepare for an enormous match against Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival Indiana Wesleyan on Tuesday. Wesleyan was the only MCC team to defeat Goshen last season. Match time is set for 4 p.m. at Goshen.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (GO) def. Kim Ellis (GR) 6-2, 6-0
#2 Sarah Yoder (GO) def. Kari Hueni (GR) 6-0, 6-0
#3 Katie Beck (GO) def. Jodi Stewart (GR) 6-1, 6-1
#4 Emily Gingerich (GO) def. Laura Stucky (GR) 6-0, 6-0
#5 Allison Miller (GO) def. Angie Henley (GR) 6-4, 6-3
#6 Amber Needles (GR) def. Steph Schmidt (GO) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (GO) def. Ellis/Hueni (GR) 8-1
#2 Beck/Gingerich (GO) def. Stucky/Henley (GR) 8-1
#3 Miller/ Jill Zoss (GO) def. Stewart/ Brianne Beach (GR) 8-3

Sophomore Sarah Yoder Junior Emily Gingerich

Huntington, IN — Just three days following Goshen’s first non-Indiana Wesleyan loss in two years, the Leafs had to take to the court again. Mid-Central Collegiate Conference rival Huntington was next on the slate, and the Maple Leafs team was mad.

Goshen pummeled the Foresters by an 8-1 count in winning all but one of its singles matches in straight sets and sweeping the doubles circuit in what was an obvious statement match for head coach Leon Brenneman’s squad. Goshen is simply not used to losing.

“The ladies were very eager to bounce back to the winning side of things, and that motivation was obvious tonight,” Brenneman said. “We hope to move forward with this momentum.”

Leading the charge for the Leafs (3-1, 3-1) was sophomore Sarah Yoder and junior Emily Gingerich, who charged through their competition at number two and number four singles, losing a mere five games between them on the afternoon.

“Sarah (Yoder) and Emily (Gingerich) had dominating wins at number two and number four (singles),” Brenneman said. “Our doubles teams are also continuing to fit into our new strategies and working well together.”

Goshen is not done proving itself yet. Brenneman said the team is anxious to get on the court again. The squad will host Manchester on Thursday. Match time is set for 3:30 p.m.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Becky Harness (H) 7-5, 6-3
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Lindsey Weber (H) 6-1, 6-1
#3 Katie Beck (G) def. Beth Zilligen (H) 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def. Katie Turner (H) 6-1, 6-2
#5 Stacy Plett (H) def Allison Miller (G) 7-6 (6), 6-4
#6 Steph Schmidt (G) def. Dana Starks (H) 6-1, 2-6, 6-0
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) def. Harness/Weber (H) 8-4
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Zilligen/Turner (H) 8-6
#3 Miller/Jill Zoss (G) def. Plett/Starks (H) 8-4

Returning at number one: Senior Jennifer Springer was the only Goshen player to collect a win in singles play against Bethel Saturday. She made easy work of her number one singles match, defeating Robin Braun of Bethel 6-1, 6-2.

Goshen, IN — Goshen dropped a tough 6-3 decision in its home opener against Bethel Saturday, ending an overall winning streak that dated back to the 2000 season. Prior to Saturday, Goshen had not lost to any team — other than Mid-Central Conference opponent Indiana Wesleyan — since a Sept. 9, 2000 loss to Hillsdale College. After this Saturday’s defeat, first-year Goshen head coach Leon Brenneman was not talking about any eras ending, however. It was simply a day, according to Brenneman, where his team did not play particularly well and the opposition did.

“This was definitely a tough loss for us,” Brenneman said. “Bethel has a nice team and good depth. My compliments to them on a good win. We were perhaps a bit over-eager to do well at our home opener. We were also still fitting into several changes that need some fine tuning.”

Goshen (2-1, 2-1) was led by its lone senior in Jennifer Springer, who easily handled Bethel’s Robin Braun at number one singles with a 6-1, 6-2 win. The Leafs also took wins at the number two and three doubles positions, but were swept in the other spots.

“I was pleased to see strong doubles play from our number two and three positions,” Brenneman said. “Jennifer (Springer) also had a nice win at number one.”

Goshen will not have long to dwell on this rare loss. The squad is back in action Tuesday, when they travel to Huntington for another MCC match. Match time is set for 3 p.m.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Robin Braun (B) 6-1, 6-2
#2 Sarah Mater (B) def. Sarah Yoder (G) 7-5, 6-1
#3 Marissa Mills (B) def. Katie Beck (G) 6-3, 5-7, 6-0
#4 Emily Lamport (B) def. Emily Gingerich (G) 7-5, 6-1
#5 Stephanie Herbster (B) def Allison Miller (G) 6-4, 6-1
#6 Wendy Yoder (B) def. Steph Schmidt (G) 6-2, 6-1
Doubles:
#1 Braun/Mills (B) def, Springer/Yoder (G) 4-6, 6-0, 6-4
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Herbster/Ayndrea Schnepp 6-4, 6-2
#3 Miller/Jill Zoss (G) def. Lamport/Mindy Clark 6-3, 6-1

Freshman Allison Miller

Indianapolis, IN — Goshen continued its winning ways in the Mid-Central Collegiate Conference Tuesday, picking up a 6-3 decision at Marian. The Leafs were led by their one-two punch of senior Jennifer Springer and sophomore Sarah Yoder; Springer took the number one singles match by a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 count and Yoder took the second singles position in winning 6-1, 6-2. The pair also got a win at number one doubles, defeating their Marian counterparts by an 8-4 score.

“We knew going in that Marian had a solid women’s tennis team,” said Leon Brenneman, Goshen head coach. “It was great to see Jennifer (Springer) and Sarah (Yoder) continue to mesh so well in doubles, as well as secure solid singles wins.”

Freshman Allison Miller also played well for the Leafs (2-0, X-X), winning 12 straight games after dropping her first set to Marian’s Paula O’Connor at number five singles.

“It was also great to see Allison (Miller) get over the freshman jitters and come through with that amazing 12 game run,” Brenneman said.

Goshen will host conference foe Bethel in its first home match of the season on Saturday. Match time is set for 10 a.m.
Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Kristi Nord (M) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Brooke Reed (M) 6-1, 6-2
#3 Melanie Spellmyer (M) def Katie Beck (G) 6-4, 7-5
#4 Emily Gingerich (G) def Janelle Koenig (M) 6-3, 6-2
#5 Allison Miller (G) def Paula O'Connor (M) 4-6, 6-0, 6-0
#6 Jessica Pswarayi (M) def Steph Schmidt (G) 6-4, 6-1
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) def Nord/Reed (M) 8-4
#2 Spellmeyer/Koenig (M) def. Beck/Gingerich (G) 8-1
#3 Miller/Zoss (G) def. O'connor/Pswarayi (M) 8-6

Senior Jennifer Springer Sophomore Sarah Yoder

Upland, IN — A new season and a slightly new roster hasn’t changed the results for the Goshen College women’s tennis program so far — the Leafs defeated their first Mid-Central Collegiate Conference opponent of the season in Taylor on Saturday by a 6-3 count. The win keeps Goshen (1-0, 1-0) undefeated in conference play — save for two matches with Indiana Wesleyan last year — since the 2000 season.

“We knew this was going to be a tough one,” said Goshen head coach Leon Brenneman. “Taylor has a fine team with a lot of depth.”

Goshen used a sweep in the three doubles matches and strong play at the top three singles spots to secure the win. Senior Jennifer Springer and sophomore Sarah Yoder went undefeated on the day, taking the number one and two singles positions, respectively, after teaming up to win the number one doubles match 6-4, 6-2.

“We started strong with some aggressive doubles play that really paid off,” Brenneman said. “We were fortunate to close out the match with strong performances from the top of our line up.”

Goshen was able to take four of the nine matches in straight sets. Yoder did not lose a set the entire day, defeating Holly May of Taylor in the number two doubles spot by a 6-1, 6-3 count.

“The team had a great week of practice and the results of hard work are beginning to show,” Brenneman said. “Our best tennis is definitely ahead of us, but this is a nice step in the right direction.”

Goshen travels to conference foe Marian on Tuesday. Match time is set for 3 p.m.

Singles:
#1 Jennifer Springer (G) def. Katie Clark (T) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
#2 Sarah Yoder (G) def. Holly May (T) 6-1, 6-3
#3 Katie Beck (G) def. Leslie Davis (T) 6-3, 6-4
#4 Heather May (T) def. Emily Gingerich (G) 2-6, 6-4, 7-6
#5 Kristel Bailin (T) def. Allison Miller (G) 6-1, 6-1
#6 Jenny Hoyt (T) def. Steph Schmidt (G) 6-4, 6-3
Doubles:
#1 Springer/Yoder (G) def. Clark/May (T) 6-4, 6-2
#2 Beck/Gingerich (G) def. Davis/Renee Stoller (T) 6-3, 6-1
#3 Miller/ Jill Zoss (G) def. Bailin/Allison Johnson (T) 7-6, 3-6, 7-5

Sophomore Katie Beck Junior Emily Gingerich

North Manchester, IN — Goshen came away with the top team finish in the Manchester Doubles Classic Saturday, but just barely. With six of the nine matches being decided by tiebrakers and the overall margin of victory being one point, first-year head coach Leon Brenneman was pleased to walk away as the top team.

“I think it’s safe to say that we were fortunate to leave as (the top team),” Brenneman said. “We had a great first week of training and our ladies did an excellent job of dealing with changes we are working on as well as recovering from heavy work outs.”

Goshen took the event scoring 19 team points, just one more than Mid-Central Conference rival Taylor. The Leafs were led by its number two doubles team of sophomore Katie Beck and junior Emily Gingerich, which didn’t lose a match the entire day, beating the number two doubles teams from Huntington, Franklin and Anderson. The number one doubles team of senior Jennifer Springer and sophomore Sarah Yoder took two of three matches, winning against Huntington and Taylor, but dropping a 4-6, 6-3, (10-7) decision to host Manchester.

“We have worked very hard and this team is eager to learn,” Brenneman said. “I credit this win to the team’s work ethic and motivation to produce results. We have plenty of work to do, but I couldn’t be more pleased by this win as a great start.”

The Leafs also garnered more team points at the match than conference rivals Huntington (12) and Grace (1). Goshen finished last season as the second-best team in the MCC, losing only one regular season and one tournament match to Indiana Wesleyan. The Leafs will travel to Taylor on Saturday. Match time is set for 1 p.m.

Final Standings:
Goshen – 19
Taylor – 18
Manchester – 17
Huntington – 12
Franklin – 11
Tri-State – 9
Anderson – 8
Grace – 1
Doubles:
#1 Doubles
Jennifer Springer / Sarah Yoder (Goshen) def. Huntington 4-6, 6-4, (10-4); def. Taylor 7-6, 6-4; lost to Manchester 4-6, 6-3, (10-7)
#2 Doubles
Katie Beck / Emily Gingerich (Goshen) def. Huntington 7-6, 7-5; def. Franklin 4-6, 6-1, (10-4); def. Anderson 2-6, 6-1, (10-5)
#3 Doubles
Allison Miller / Steph Schmidt (Goshen) lost to Manchester 6-2, 7-5; def. Grace 8-3; lost to Franklin 8-1

Hard at work: New women’s tennis head coach Leon Brenneman strings a racquet in his office during one of his first days on the job at Goshen College. Brenneman brings with him a long list of tennis playing and teaching credentials, as Goshen College athletic director Ken Pletcher called him “a perfect fit” for the already strong Maple Leaf tennis program.

Goshen, IN — Coming off the heels of a season that saw the Goshen College women’s tennis team advance to national regional competition — a first in the history of the sport at Goshen — the program has a new head coach. Leon Brenneman begins his first season as the head women’s tennis coach at Goshen College, replacing four-year head coach Sue Conrad. Brenneman, a lifetime tennis guru with Mid-Central Collegiate Conference ties, becomes Goshen’s seventh head coach in the program’s 30-year history.

“We felt extremely fortunate to find someone of Leon’s teaching quality and ability to come to Goshen at this point,” said Ken Pletcher, Goshen College athletic director. “For our purposes, hiring someone with such a thorough understanding of tennis and the ability to teach it — he’s just a perfect fit.”

Brenneman accepts his first collegiate head coaching position after a lifetime of tennis playing and instructing experience. Throughout the 1980’s Brenneman served as a staff professional at tennis clubs in Brazil, Connecticut, California and Indiana. He then began a dual career as a coach and promotional representative for two tennis equipment companies in Prince Manufacturing and Wilson Racquet Sports. During the 10 years in working for Prince and Wilson, Brenneman was the head varsity boys’ tennis coach at Westminster Christian High School (Miami, Florida) in 1995 and the varsity girls’ coach at Ransom Everglades High School (Miami, Florida) from 1997-1999. While at Ransom, Brenneman coached three players who are currently ranked in the Women’s Tennis Association’s top 150. In the last of his two years there, Brenneman was recognized as Florida’s Coach Of The Year in addition to his team being ranked the top high school team in the country.

Brenneman moved to Weston, Connecticut in 1998, where he spent three years as the head professional at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club. In 2001, he moved to Fairfield, Tennessee where he was named director of tennis at the Fairfield Glade Resort. Brenneman continues to hold that position on a freelance basis as he begins his collegiate coaching career at Goshen.

“I have been very fortunate to pick and choose what I do with my tennis-related activites,” Brenneman said. “Small college coaching is something you do for the love of it and no other reason. This move was a logical step for me, with my history in this area and a good core group of girls returning to the program.”

Brenneman graduated from MCC opponent Grace College in 1988, where he was a NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete for three years. He has since continued to play tennis at USTA events,and is currently the USTA’s number one ranked player in the state of Tennessee, and the USTA’s third-highest rated player in its seven-state southern district.

“I have some unique avenues for recruiting that stem from my playing and instructing,” Brenneman said. “It will be nice to have a college-backing when I’m peddling Goshen at camps and tennis clubs in the future.”

As for now, Brenneman has most of a team returning that went 10-1 last year, minus all-MCC selection Tonya Swartzendruber. Swartzendruber was the Maple Leafs number one singles player last season, and has since graduated.

“We lose our number one, and any time you have to move everyone up a spot it hurts your depth,” Brenneman said. “But I am impressed right away with the girls’ work ethic. It is a very mature group of girls, eager to learn and highly driven. They have set lofty goals, and I like that. They’ve decided this isn’t going to be recreation for them — they want to compete.”

Brenneman will live in Goshen during the tennis season, keeping his permanent residence in Fairfield throughout the calendar year. And while his annual working of camps and clubs will continue, he will now have a long-term project to maintain and improve.

“I’m excited and I felt good vibes coming in here,” he said. “I feel that I fit in well, and the group of girls we have want to learn and compete at the highest level. I don’t look at this position as a short-term deal. It will be fun and challenging to lead this program through the course of time.”