The talent, work ethic and camaraderie of the women's tennis roster gives head Coach Breanna Vollan plenty to be excited about this season.

Sophomore Brooke Zielke (Shepard) competed at No. 1 singles and doubles last season, claiming an NJCAA Region IV championship at doubles with her partner, who graduated last spring, before testing their skills at the NJCAA Division I championship in Texas. After working hard in the offseason, she will lead the newcomers along with returning teammate Serene Itani (Shepard).

Julie Andrist (Oak Lawn), Trisha Meyers (Stagg), Libby Newton (Richards), Ban Alobaidi (Thornton Fractional South) and Milca Barrera (Eisenhower) are new and solid additions to the Cyclone squad.

The freshmen already are adjusting to the faster pace of college tennis and closing out points without fear, unusual for newcomers, said Vollan, who enters her second year leading the Cyclones.

Last season, the Cyclones finished 6-5 overall, taking third in the conference and just one point away from second in the region. As a former Cyclone athlete, Vollan was acclimating to coaching at the college level. She now knows what works in practices and better understands the coaching side of tennis. She intends to approach the lineup differently and challenge the athletes while making sure they succeed.

Vollan believes her team will place well in the region tournament and wants to maintain another winning record.

"I couldn't ask for a better group. They're so hard working and have a good balance. We're really solid across the lineup. I can see us getting first or second at regionals," she said. "My confidence is higher, and I have a good feeling about this season. I'm so pumped."