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

February 11, 2008 Cougars Prepare for Season Opener          The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's tennis team will open its 2008 season with the Principia Tournament in Elsah, Ill.          For coach Kyler Updyke, the addition of some key players has greatly improved the strength of the program at the top spots.          "Last year we had the depth, but we did not have the strength at the top spots so we did not win many of those matches. This year we have the strength at the top so we will be able to better compete," said Updyke.          Leading the young Cougar team will be four sophomores who were all thrown into the fire last year.          Stephanie Clark, Kelsey Laird, Amanda Niebur, and Sarah Rhein return for their sophomore season campaign. Updyke said Clark's offseason work will benefit her.          "She put in a lot of time this off season, we just need to get her some more match experence. I expect her to be a solid doubles player for us this year," said Updyke.          Through workouts and practice, freshman Carli Connors (Belleville) has already positioned positioned herself as one of the top players on this years Cougar squad.          "Coming in I expected her to be one of our top players. She has a ton of experience, and she should be able to compete with any school we face," said Updyke.                   -siue cougars-