Two players and the head coach of Cabrini’s women’s tennis team have been awarded high Pennsylvania Athletic Conference honors. As a result of the team effort, the women along with their coach have been successful by working hard this 2007 fall season ending with a 14-3 mark.
“I train hard so people can appreciate the sport and the work ethic that the team and I put into this season,” junior fine arts and graphic design major Dina DiTaranto said. “I have a close relationship with the girls from my team and from other teams. We respect each other on and off the court but we know once the match starts it’s all business.”
DiTaranto has been awarded the Women’s Tennis Sportsmanship Award for her performance during the 2007 fall season. She finished this past season with records consisting of 10-3 at top singles and 16-2 in top doubles. In addition, DiTaranto has received All-PAC First Team honors at the individual championship. She proceeded to the semi-finals in singles play and was therefore awarded All-PAC Honorable Mention honors.
John Magee, head coach, received PAC co-Coach of the Year honors for his successful leadership towards the women’s tennis team. This has been Magee’s third time winning Coach of the Year honors. Under his direction, the women are able to be proud of their fourth consecutive PAC Team Championship. Overall at the PAC Individual Championships, the Cavaliers brought home a total of six gold medals.
Cabrini has conquered a league-record of 44 conference tennis matches, along with two victories at the 2007 team championships.
“When I came to Cabrini, my coach, John Magee, taught me all of the basics, which I greatly appreciated. I grew a lot as a player both physically and mentally this year. I was honored to receive the Rookie of the Year award, and I’m excited to continue playing for the Cabrini tennis team,” freshman physical therapy major Stephanie Tighe said.
Tighe was given the title PAC Women’s Tennis Rookie of the Year. She finished the season with marks of 14-2 in singles and 18-1 in doubles play. Tighe teamed up with junior Nicole Pontious and earned the All-PAC First Team award, which led them to be named the All-PAC Honorable Mention Team. Tighe won 13 consecutive singles matches in the middle of this past season, and ended with a flawless 10-0 record in PAC singles.
The players as well as their head coach look forward to continuing their high achievements. They are planning to compete in the NCAA Championships this coming May and have high hopes for their future performace.
“It is an honor being recognized for the Sportsmanship award. I feel that sportsmanship is the way to disregard all the cheating and unfair play that people tend to get caught up with to win,” DiTaranto said.
