Following the UCSD women’s tennis team’s success in the 2004 season, four players were named to the All-California Collegiate Athletic Association first team, including Katie McKee as conference Freshman of the Year.
Junior Jasmin Dao and sophomores Marissa Hilker and Leigh Roberts were named alongside McKee to the league’s first team. McKee, who played No. 6 singles throughout the season, held a perfect 7-0 record in league play and posted a 6-1 record at No. 3 doubles, playing with Roberts.
“Katie came in as a fairly high-ranked player in California,” head coach Liz LaPlante said. “She had a lot of tournament experience and good fundamentals, but did not have that confidence and competitiveness at the beginning. We put her in some key matches, especially in Florida, which was her turning point, and she improved a lot. She is playing aggressively and has lots of potential.”
Roberts was flawless in league competition and recorded an 8-0 record at No. 3 singles. In the second round of the NCAA tournament, Roberts played a tough three-setter against Hawaii-Hilo, losing the first set, 2-6, rebounding to win the second set, 6-4, then losing the last set, 6-0.
Alternating between No. 4 and No. 5 singles, Hilker also posted a perfect 8-0 record in league matches. In the last match of the season against Hawaii-Hilo, Hilker lead her opponent 6-4, 6-5 before the game was called.
“Both [Roberts] and [Hilker] are super athletes,” LaPlante said. “They have great anticipation and competitiveness. They have really built up their confidence throughout the season. [Hilker] played her best match in Florida. She’s still working on her volley and net game, but her ground strokes are very strong.”
Dao played an impressive season at No. 2 singles, losing only once during league play and posting an overall 7-1 record in conference matchups. Teaming up with senior Julie Westerman, Dao went 7-1 at No. 1 doubles.
During the season, McKee and Westerman were both named California Collegiate Athletic Association women’s tennis Players of the Week for their exceptional performances.
“[Dao] has been really solid this year,” LaPlante said. “She has really good concentration and is determined not to let things bother her. Her strength is her mental focus. Even if she’s not playing her best, she stays focused. [Dao] has also performed really well at doubles this year.”
Not only were UCSD players honored by the league, but LaPlante was named CCAA Coach of the Year. LaPlante coached the Triton women to a flawless 8-0 league record, giving UCSD the opportunity to host the CCAA Women’s Tennis Championships at Northview Tennis Courts.
The Tritons finished the season with an 18-9 overall record and were crowned conference champions, but were stopped in the second round of the NCAA tournament by Hawaii-Hilo on May 7 to end their season.
