Jan. 14, 2002

LOGAN, Utah - The Utah State men's and women's tennis teams begin their seasons this week on the road. Head coach Chris Wright begins his 11th season as the Aggies' coach and is assisted by Jevin West, entering his second season as an assistant coach.

The men open Wednesday, Jan. 16 against Idaho State in Pocatello, Idaho, at 2 p.m. and return to Logan and host the Air Force Academy on Friday, Jan. 18. at 10 a.m. All Utah State home matches are played at the Sports Academy in Logan.

The women open on the road against the University of Utah on Friday, Jan. 18 in Salt Lake City at 5 p.m. The Aggie women return to Logan for two matches on Jan. 19 and 21. USU faces Portland State on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and the Air Force Academy on Monday, Jan. 21 at noon.

Last season the Aggie men finished with a 5-10 record and return four letterwinners. The men are led by senior Andreas Madersbacher who was named second team all-Big West in singles play last season and starts this season as 20th in the individual regional rankings. Madersbacher and senior Tadd Hinze are the 2002 co-captains.

Last season the Aggie women finished with a 7-10 record and return six letterwinners. Seniors Sarah Lowe and Tracy Bertagna are co-captains. Wright said the women's team is much improved from last season. In addition to the returning letterwinners, the women's team has greater depth because of a transfer and two new freshmen.

Wright believes this is the best team Utah State has had. "We are a little bit better than past seasons, now we have to go out and prove it," he said. "We do not have an easy match on the schedule because our region is very solid. If we can stay healthy we will have a chance to challenge at regionals in April. That is our goal."