CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri opens its season with three road matches this week. The Redhawks will face Nebraska-Omaha at Noon, CT, Thursday before squaring off at host Iowa State (9 a.m.) and Northern Iowa (4 p.m.) Friday.

2013-14 Southeast Missouri Women's Tennis Season Outlook

A new era in Southeast Missouri women's tennis begins under the direction of Leah Hottois in 2013-14.

Hottois accepted her first head coaching position on Sept. 5, 2013. She took over the Southeast helm after working as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's tennis programs at the University of Dayton in 2012-13. 

A young team of five newcomers and two returnees will look to flourish in its debut season with Hottois as its coach. Four freshmen, a sophomore walk-on and two upperclassmen, including senior Heather Robinson form this year's squad which had a nice fall campaign.

"As a team, I feel like we had a good fall season," said Hottois. "We have learned that it takes everyone to fight until the last point and to keep their teammates upbeat and positive."

Freshmen Valeriia Kashina (Togliatti, Russia) and Valeriia Nagovitcina (Togliatti, Russia) will challenge at the top of the lineup this season.

Prior to Southeast, Kashina took first-place in the Championship of Samara Region doubles competition and finished third in the Championship Russian Federation. She was a three-time winner of the Samara Region Championship. In addition, Kashina achieved a top-30 national ranking and was rated first position in her city and region before joining the Redhawks.

"Valeriia has a strong serve and forehand," said Hottois. "She is quick and eager to help lead our team and is very supportive of her teammates."

Nagovitcina registered one singles victory this past fall when she beat Southern Illinois' Polina Dozortseva on Oct. 26.

"Valeriia likes coming to the net and finishing points," commented Hottois. "She never gives up."

Freshman Ekaterina Donetskova (Samara, Russia) and senior Heather Robinson (Durham, England) will likely interchange in the middle of the order.

Donetskova was a two-time winner of the singles title at the Samara Championship. She ranked as high as No. 29 in her country in 2009 and was crowned the National Russian Tournament Under-16 singles champion in 2008.

Meanwhile, Robinson is the Redhawks only senior. She compiled a team-best 6-2 singles record during the fall. Last season, Robinson ranked second on the team with nine singles victories, including seven at the No. 1 position.

"Ekaterina comes to the net and finishes off points with volleys and swinging volleys," said Hottois. "Heather is eager for the spring season to start and is looking to have a successful year."

Freshman Annisa Warasanti (Bandung, Indonesia) and junior Melissa Martin (Wolverhampton, England) round out the lineup.   

Warasanti put together a team-best 6-2 singles record in the fall. She went a perfect 4-0 to win the Division 3 singles portion of Austin Peay's Fall Tournament and posted two three-set victories on the final day of play.

Warasanti signed with the Redhawks in April after ranking as high as No. 4 in her country, where whe won national championships at both the Inter-Province and Inter-City levels.

"Annisa is a steady and consistent player. She has a variety of shots and plays with a lot of heart," said Hottois.

Martin fashioned a 3-6 singles record and paired up with Jessica Courtnell for a team-best 8-5 doubles mark a year ago. She earned two of her singles wins at the No. 5 position.

"Melissa is aggressive in doubles and will finish off points," quoted Hottois.

Sophomore walk-on Katy Brady (Farmington, Mo.) completes this year's roster. Brady earned All-Conference and All-District honors at Farmington High School

"Katy is very positive and upbeat," concluded Hottois. "She tries to help the freshmen understand that they have great shots."