Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Women's Tennis	SIUE Women's Tennis SIUE Athletics

July 17, 2006 SIUE Women's Tennis Adds Three for 2006-2007 Season          EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has added three standouts to its lineup for the upcoming season.          Coach Bryan Belt inked three freshmen - Stephanie Clark (Belleville), Kelsey Laird (Bloomington), and Amanda Niebur (Edwardsville).          Clark qualified for the Illinois high school state championships for Belleville West High School in all four years. Named an All-Area performer her senior season by the Belleville News-Democrat, Clark was a four-time All-Southwestern Conference tennis player. She also was named Outstanding Female Student Athlete of the Year at Belleville West.          "She comes from a winning program and will bring a winning attitude to the team," said Belt. "Her doubles play is strong, and she'll be a wild card in singles play for us."          Laird, a two-time Most Valuable Player at Normal Community West High School, also is a four-time state qualifier. Laird also was the Big 12 Conference champion in 2005. Belt said she has considerable summer tennis experience.          "I think she's well-prepared for college tennis. She will be able to come in a play at No. 2 or No. 3 singles," said Belt. "Her biggest asset is that she has an all-around game. She can change her tactics in the middle of a match."          Niebur, a three-time state qualifier from Edwardsville High School, has a wealth of experience at both singles and doubles, said Belt. She placed third at the sectional championships in her final three seasons at Edwardsville and also was named second team All-Southwestern Conference.          "She comes from a great program at Edwardsville, where she has been well-coached," said Belt. "She is a strong athlete who is well-versed in both singles and doubles."          The SIUE women's tennis team has a split schedule, with events during the fall season and the spring season. The Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season and post-season championship will take place in the spring for the first time in 2007.                   -siue cougars-