Yellowjacket Tennis Underway (February 8, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT -  The Montana State University-Billings Yellowjacket Tennis teams are beginning their regular spring season play next weekend.  The Lady Jackets will compete in a duel meet with Lewis and Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho on February 11^th and 12th.  The men will kick off their competitive season February 18^th through the 20^th at the MSU-Bozeman Invitational.  Teams that will be in attendance are MSU Billings, Lewis and Clark, and University of Montana.

Senior Margot Merrill-Johnson (Sr., Salt Lake City, UT) is a two sport athlete for the Yellowjackets.  She played soccer for MSUB 2000-2004 and holds the school record for career goals (71).  Margot was also named first team ESPN Academic All-American in 2004, only the second in school history.  After taking a beginning tennis class at the university, Margot decided to try out for the tennis team.  She has experienced great success and has led the squad in wins for the past two years.  “Margot constantly works on her athleticism and has a strong determination to win,” said head coach Jerry Peach.  “Margot is the most dedicated athlete I have ever seen.  We will miss her next year as she is a great role model and leader for all Yellowjacket athletes.”

Brianne Roney (So., Cody, WY) played No. 1 for the Lady Jackets her freshman year.  Roney is a former state high school champion in Wyoming and is an athlete that is just starting to acquire an all-court game.  Coach Peach said, “When Brianne is on, she can play with the best tennis players in the PacWest Conference.”  Teammate Becky Fry (Sr., Miles City, MT) has primarily been a singles player for the Lady Jackets and is finishing a strong collegiate career.  “Her game has evolved and her great desire keeps her in matches when others would not.  She is a great leader, someone we will certainly miss in the future,” said Peach.

Sophomore Tia Smith (So., Idaho Falls, ID) is the, “Most improved player the Yellowjackets have this year,” said Peach.  “Tia is always on time and working hard.  She is expected to learn more about college tennis and her increased consistency will pay off this spring.” 

A freshman trio are playing for the Lady Jackets this season.  Heidi Lehman (Fr., Billings, MT) comes from Senior high, and at one point in her high school career she was 20-0 on the season.  “She is playing like a veteran and knows how to win,” said Peach of Lehman.  “Her job in college will be to learn how to win against tough competition.”  Nikki Byrnes (Fr., Australia) has the potential to become a great tennis player for MSUB.  “She is the sleeper in the group.  She is not flashy or powerful, but does not miss many shots.  Nicole may be the best doubles player we have,” said Peach.  Teammate Marta Borges (Fr., Portugal) is a package of great strokes and determination.  “Marta needs experience to put things together and her 100 percent effort and talent will give her game a quick rise,” said Peach.

Senior Sean O’Daniel (Sr., Miles City, MT) is a three-year letter winner for the Yellowjackets.  “Early in his career Sean was up and down, but his maturity has helped him tremendously,” said Peach.  “This spring promises to be his strongest and will be counted on to play his best at every match.”  Jose Garcia (Sr., Elche, Spain) will finish with a steady career at MSUB.  “His game is characterized by big, loopy, topspin strokes that are tough for his opponents to return,” said Peach.  Teammate Kellen Malone (Sr., Havre, MT) was a two-time class state A singles champion in 1999 and 2000.  In his career at MSU Billings he has been steady.  “When Kellen is playing his best he can compete with players at the upper levels and his doubles game has gotten better each year while at MSUB,” said Peach.

Ryan Smith (Jr., Calgary, Alberta) at 6’3” has big game potential.  “Ryan has good quickness and is ready to take his game from a junior level to an all-out attack style that will make him successful by the end of spring,” said Peach.  Junior Seth Maristuen (Jr., Havre, MT) was a member of the three-time class A boys state championship team before coming to MSUB.  “Seth is the most improved player on the men’s team and has accomplished this by working hard every day.  We are working on finishing points and his ground strokes are solid,” said Peach.

Paco Sanchez (So., Los Palmas, Spain) known as the “Bull” is a solid, fast player.  “Paco gets to balls that other players don’t try for.  He is mainly a backcourt power player, and we are working on his comfort level at the net,” said Peach.  Teammate Brian Kasid (Jr., Chaska, MN) according to head coach Jerry Peach, “Brian is the hardest worker in the tennis program at MSUB.”  He has improved his tennis game at every level and is now learning to relax and let the ball come to him.  Brian’s play is getting stronger every month.”  Nate Will (Fr., Colorado Springs, CO) began to play tennis once enrolled at MSUB.  “Nate is a coach’s dream.  He will do anything asked of him.  He has improved in the backcourt and is beginning to play at the net,” said Peach. 

Junior Sergio Diaz (Jr., Lima Peru) in coach Peaches opinion, is the most talented player ever to play at MSU Billings.  “Sergio has the opportunity to lift his game to the upper levels of collegiate tennis this spring.  He will be counted on to play a game worthy of his potential,” said Peach.  Jeremy Heninger (So., Havre, MT) is a redshirt sophomore this semester at MSU Billings.  Jeremy played high school doubles and has been a Big Sky State Games champion in both singles and doubles play.  “Jeremy has the determination to put together a college level game and acquire the skills needed to succeed,” said Peach.

For a complete men’s and women’s tennis schedule, please visit the athletics website at www.msubillings.edu/athletics.