The Pomona-Pitzer Women’s tennis team has high expectations for its 2011 season, which begins in one week. The Sagehens will play their first match Saturday, Feb. 19 against Whittier College at home at 10 a.m.

The Sagehens positioned themselves last season as one of the top teams in the nation, reaching the NCAA quarterfinals and finishing sixth nationally. The team also boasted three All-Americans: Kara Wang PO ’13 in singles and doubles, Jamie Solomon PZ ’13 in doubles, and Siobhan Finicane PO ’10, was in singles.

Despite the loss of Finicane, the team welcomes eight freshmen and returns eight sophomores and juniors. Under the leadership of four junior captains, Nicole Holsted PO, Emily Kawahara PZ, Ellie Shanholt PO, and Chelsea Kitazawa PZ, the team has been practicing about 16 hours a week since returning from break.

The newly renovated Pauley Tennis Complex’s lights allow for more nighttime practice hours. The courts were resurfaced over the summer, and a new team lounge and speaker system were added. The complex, along with CMS’s Bisantz Tennis Center, will be the site of the 2011 NCAA Division III National Championship.

Holsted was eager to start the season off, saying “We graduated some great players last year and with eight newcomers have a very young team, but the intensity and quality of play at practice this season makes me believe that this team has the potential to win every match on our schedule.” The schedule, while rigorous, consists of almost all home matches, with numerous East Coast schools travelling to sunny Claremont.

After spending her fall semester in Madrid, Shanholt is optimistic about this season. “I was really impressed coming back from abroad and seeing everyone play,” she said. “I think we’re going to have our best season in years.”

Contributing to the anticipated success this season is the team’s “legit freshman power,” according to sophomore Kara Wang. It is expected that at least a few freshmen will play in the singles and doubles lineup, adding a significant amount of depth to the Sagehen roster.

After their intial matchup against Whittier, the Sagehens will host Pt. Loma Nazarene Friday, Feb. 25 and Cal Lutheran Saturday, Feb. 26.