Timpano, Phillips, Stevens garner All-TCCC honors

NEWPORT, R.I. - The Salve Regina University women's tennis team placed three players on the 2009 The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) All-Conference Team as senior Jessica Timpano (Narragansett, R.I.), junior Erin Phillips (Morristown, N.J.), and sophomore Nichol Stevens (Chester, Conn.) were honored for their achievements during the 2009 fall season.

Phillips was named to the First Team - Singles after posting an 8-3 record at No. 1 singles for the Seahawks, including conference wins over Western New England, Roger Williams, Gordon, Nichols, and Wentworth. Stevens, meanwhile, was named to the Second Team - Singles following an 8-2 season at No. 2 singles in which she posted wins against Western New England, Roger Williams, Gordon, and Wentworth, among others.

"We saw Erin and Nichol step up their games in our lineup this year," said Seahawk head coach Ed Habershaw. "Erin resumed the No. 1 singles role and really gave all of her opponents a great match, and there was some real growth in her as a singles player. Opposing coaches consider Erin one of the top athletes in the conference, as do I. Nichol was a tough player who continues to get tougher. She is mentally tough on the court, which keeps her in many matches. She may appear to be a less-athletic player against some opponents, but has gone on and outplayed them, and it's because of her mental toughness and no-quit attitude."

Timpano recorded seven wins at No. 3 singles, including wins over Roger Williams, Gordon, and Wentworth, en route to earning Honorable Mention - Singles accolades. Timpano and her doubles partner, Phillips, were named to the Second Team - Doubles, as the duo combined to go 10-5 overall, including 8-3 at No. 1 doubles against the league.

"Jessica played a solid No. 3 singles for us and helped us win a lot of points. In doubles, Jessica and Erin established themselves as a very reliable pair, not only on our team, but within the conference. I am very proud of the way they played this season, and it's been a pleasure watching them play together these last two years. They complement each other well on the court, and every doubles team they face knows they are in for a tough match."

The Seahawks finished the 2009 fall season 6-7 overall (6-5 TCCC) and earned the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament, where they lost to No. 3 seed Endicott, 5-2. In addition to competing at the New England Women's Invitational Tennis Tournament, Salve Regina hosted the 25th annual Women's Grass Court Doubles Tournament in early October.

Salve Regina women's tennis resumes its 2009-2010 schedule with a spring break trip to Orlando, Fla., in March.