The Newman University Women’s Tennis Team is currently undefeated, 11-0 overall, and is ranked nationally for the first time in NCAA Division II history.
Head Coach Shella Augspurger credits her four seniors and their leadership to the success the Jets are experiencing. She credits her team’s drive and hard work.
“We had a really good season last year and I think they want to leave their mark here,” Augspurger said, “Last year they were the first team to be ranked in the region and this year the goal is to be the first team that is ranked in the country. Since they’re achieved that now they have a new goal and want to win the (Heartland) conference.”
Augspurger says the team is fun to be around and she is proud of them.
Newman plays at Southeastern Oklahoma State on Friday, March 13. The Jets play host to their first-ever Heartland Conference home match Saturday, March 21 against Dallas Baptist. In past years the conference did not require schools to play a league regular season schedule and Newman traveled to complete against any Heartland schools that would play them.
Meet the Jets:
Shella Augspurger provides quick facts about her team:
Hillary Hicks – Senior from Wichita (Bishop Carroll) – She ruptured her Achilles during her junior season and came back from that a year later, is playing #4 position now. She loves helping people.
Lisa Pleskan – Senior from Ufa, Russia – She is a graphic design major. She loves boxing… koalas… video games and photography. She is married to a Newman soccer alum. She also loves to sleep.
Courtney Dold – Senior from Wichita (Bishop Carroll) – She is a fitness buff who also loves books and is very creative.
Carissa Villaflor – Senior from Oklahoma City, Okla.- She is a freshman resident advisor and an avid OKC Thunder NBA basketball fan. She plays the guitar and loves to travel. She played volleyball for Newman her freshman and sophomore years.
Kate Bugayenko – Junior from Luiv, Ukraine – She loves animals and puzzles. She has her scuba diving license. She loves to travel and has been to over 20 different countries.
Ariana Raga – Junior from Maracay, Venezuela – She loves animals and watching TV shows. She is very close to her brother who also is a tennis player.
Tamar Taskhakaia – Sophomore from Batumi, Georgia – Her brother is here playing at Newman, too. She loves to have fun. She loves pink, food and photography.
