Team returns all six singles players.

Providence College Head Coach Carl LaBranche has all six singles players returning to a team that finished the 1998-99 season with a 13-9 record. All six singles players gained tremendous experience last year. The goal of this years squad is to challenge to be in the top five of the BIG EAST and successfully defend its title as New England Champions.

LaBranche will count on the continued success of his top two players from last year, junior Alison Carton (Milburn, N.J.) and sophomore Brooke Rubin (Cranston, R.I.). "It is exciting to have Rubin and Carton challenge the top women in the region on an individual basis," LaBranche said. Carton compiled a 17-15 record playing No. 1 singles last year. She is a fierce competitor who has found great success in her first two years as Friar, compiling a career record of 37-25. Rubin, who emerged on the scene as a freshman, set a PC record for wins in a season with 22. She played primarly at the No. 2 spot and also found success with her aggressive style playing doubles.

Battling for the No. 3, 4, and 5 singles spots will be senior Jessie LeMasters (Cincinnati, Ohio) and sophomores Lindsey Gillooly (Stoughton, Mass.) and Gina Vlasek (Atlanta, Ga.). LeMasters spent the 1998-99 campaign playing in the No. 3 spot, posting a 16-13 mark. One of the teams leaders, she also will be counted on to play in one of the top doubles positions. LeMasters doubles play has improved tremendously throughout her career as a Friar. Gillooly, who was plagued by injuries her freshman season, should be able to challenge for the No. 3 or 4 singles spot. She completed her first season for the black and white with a 13-11 singles record. Vlasek is another sophomore with a great all-around game. A very composed and versatile player, she is coming off a 19-win freshman season. Last year, she improved her serving and volleying and will now be in the mix to challenge for the No. 3 spot.

Senior Kim Bergin (Winchester, Mass) returns to the singles lineup where she should play in the No. 6 position. With a career singles record of 47-23-2, Bergin has an improved serve and forehand to go along with an already dominating backhand. Bergin will compete with sophomore Katie Lafayette (Norwich, Conn.) and freshman Courtney Maloy (Cotuit, Mass.) for the final singles position.

This years freshman class will be led by Maloy. She is ranked in the top 20 in New England and possesses a solid baseline game. Coach LaBranche expects her to challenge Bergin for the No. 6 singles spot and contribute in doubles action.

Freshman Alison Gill (Narragansett, R.I.) played No. 1 singles at Narragansett High School and is a great athlete. Gill hits the ball hard and will gain consistency with experience as the season progresses. The final freshman recruit is Alison Sheehan (Scituate, Mass.) who adds quality depth to an already experienced team.

The 1999-00 Providence College womens tennis team returns a solid nucleus as the Friars look to improve on a 10th-place BIG EAST finish of a year ago. Coach LaBranche has high hopes and expectations for a team that could make an impact in conference and regional play.