FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona women's tennis team is about to embark on the 2015 season this week with high hopes going into the regular season. The Lumberjacks come into the season with big expectations after finishing second in the Big Sky Conference last year with an 8-2 record. Head coach Kim Bruno has added a group of youngsters to an already deep roster. The Lumberjacks will travel down to the Valley as they face UC Davis in a neutral match played at the campus of Arizona State.  

"We are so fired up to compete for the first time this year," said Bruno. "We are ready to go after a great week of practice and it will be good gauge to see where the ladies are at playing wise. I expect a lot from this team because we are very deep with a lot of talent and there is no doubt in my mind that we will compete every time we step out on the court."  

The Returners

The Lumberjacks return five of six starters from last year's lineup. Leading the Lumberjacks this season is senior Johanna Vang who made First Team All-Big Sky last season. The Sweden native went on a five-match winning streak in singles play last year with wins against Western Michigan, Gonzaga, Eastern Washington, North Dakota and Northern Colorado. Vang's success on the court led to being named Big Sky Player of the Week honors in addition being named an All-Big Sky Academic selection.

Also earning Big Sky Conference Player of the Week last year was Hailey Rochin on April 8, 2014 after the then freshman went unbeaten in singles against Weber State, Idaho State and Utah State. In her rookie campaign, Rochin earned Big Sky Honorable Mention honors with 10 wins in singles and 11 wins in doubles.     

Junior Emelia Box returns to NAU after playing at the No. 1 & No. 2 position for Bruno last season. The England native picked up seven wins last year in singles play with five in the No. 2 slot. Junior Jordan Denesik was tied for second on the team in wins during singles play with 10 on the No. 3 & No. 4 courts. The second senior on this year's squad is Sarah Maria Spruch who was a solid contributor at the No. 6 position for the Lumberjacks last season. Spruch totaled eight wins last season in singles play with six of her wins at the No. 6 slot.

The Newcomers

Bruno brought in four players to add to the 2015 squad adding depth that will help Northern Arizona throughout the season. Three of the ladies are international. Freshmen Livia Hollosy is from Hungary, Meike Vorschel arrives from Germany while sophomore Marta Lewandowska comes from Poland. The one American in the group is sophomore Sara Brown who is transferring after playing one year at Boise State.

The Schedule

Awaiting the Lumberjacks is a tough 22-match schedule with 10 away matches, four neutral site matches and eight matches at home at Continental Country Club and the Sedona Enchantment Resort. The Lumberjacks will be on the road for their first eight matches of the season beginning against UC Davis, which will be played at Arizona State. Highlighting the Lumberjacks non-conference schedule is New Mexico, South Carolina, University of Arizona and Arizona State. The Lumberjacks first home match is on February 23 against Big Sky opponent Southern Utah. Northern Arizona will welcome two non-conference opponents to Flagstaff in North Carolina State and Utah State. The six Big Sky opponents NAU will host this season are Southern Utah, Idaho State, Eastern Washington, Weber State, Idaho and Portland State.