Photo by Ryan C. Harris
Kristen Oxley
Assistant Editor
April 28, 2006
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Senior Cassie Lomison. Photo by Ryan C. Harris |
Senior Cassie Lomison has had a goal in mind since she set
foot on the tennis court her freshman year: to be ranked. In her last season,
Lomison finally achieved this goal.
When the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings came out on March 31,
Lomison was thrilled. She was 49th out of the 50 rankings in the nation among
NAIA schools for singles tournaments.
"It's been a goal of mine to be ranked since my freshman year," Lomison said.
"When the rankings first came out, I was so excited but I still wondered, 'Can I
be ranked higher?'"
She could, and she was. When the rankings came out again on April 20, Lomison's
standing had risen to 28th.
Lomison had two major influences on her game this year. She was greatly affected
by the death of Steven Hunter in January, and she said every time she stepped
onto the court she was thinking of him. In addition, this spring marks the end
of Marvin Glover's 11 years as the women's tennis coach. Lomison and Glover will
step out of Milligan's tennis scene together.
"I didn't know how the season was going to go, so I just did my part to do well
and get ranked," Lomison said. "I wanted to give Coach a good last season."
Lomison had beaten the number 15 seeded girl as well as Division II players,
which greatly improved her ranking.
"We've attempted to get her ranked in the past," Glover said.
Glover said he expected her to be ranked this year. She only lost one match the
entire season. While girls from other schools were losing, Lomison kept winning,
improving her rank.
"She's always taken care of business," Glover said. "She's mentally strong."
Unfortunately, spring tennis does not allow individuals to move on to the
regional tournament from conference tournaments. The way the tournament is set
up is "simply a team format," said Glover. Because of this, Lomison's season is
now over. Only the top team from the conference tournament moves on. UVA Wise
was the top contender while the Milligan women placed third.
Lomison said it is kind of disappointing because she cannot go on to play
against other girls and see if she could be ranked higher, but she thought the
team ended "on a good note."
"I'm really excited about how we ended," Lomison said. "We came together as a
team and played our hearts out. Every girl on the court gave it their best shot
at the conference tournament."
Milligan's men's team has nationally ranked players as well. Juniors Tom Jones
and Ryan Reynolds made the list as doubles partners, ranked 24th nationally.
Jones is also ranked individually at 35th.