Concordia Taps Into Coast Pipeline

(7/20/06) IRVINE - The Concordia University women's tennis team has added four players to its roster for the 2006-07 season, three of them familiar faces to one of the current Eagles.

Current #1 singles player Michelle Esquivel, a member of the 2005 California community college state champion at Orange Coast College, will be joined once again by former teammates Jessica Rice, Emily Paulson and Julie Haley. The trio helped the Pirates repeat as state champions this past Spring with a combined dual-match record of 85-2.

"In addition to talent, these three ladies have great heart and great drive," said Concordia head coach John Norton. "They will deepen our squad and give us an even better shot at capturing a national championship."

Joining the Coast trio is the lone freshman of the group, Kelly Griffith of Upland, a prodigy at the Futchko Tennis Academy.

"Coming to Concordia from the Futchko Academy, Kelly has been well trained in the key fundamentals of the game. She also brings a ton of tournament experience, some great natural talent and a very positive attitude."

In its first season of play since the program went dormant in 1989, the Eagles grabbed their first six wins in Golden State Athletic Conference play while also winning their season opener against Chapman University back on February 1.