SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 11, 2006 – Kaitlynn Cates of Springfield College has been named the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Tennis Co-Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday, September 10th. She is sharing the honor this week with Jen Schwarzkopf of Wellesley College.

A freshman from Middlebury, Conn., Cates plays No. 3 singles for the Pride.

In a 1-1 week for the team, Cates first defeated Kristen Ayers of Western New England College (WNEC), 6-2, 6-3, as SC defeated the Golden Bears, 8-1, last Wednesday (Sept. 6). Kaitlynn then defeated Alex Lucas of Wellesley by the same score, 6-2, 6-3, last Saturday (Sept. 9). That gave the Pride its lone team point in an 8-1 loss.

Cates is now 2-0 in singles play on the season. She also teams with junior Shannon Desroches (Belchertown, Mass.) in doubles.

"Kaitlynn is a true competitor,” said Head Coach Jamie Morrell. “She has a real strong work ethic, puts in a lot of hours on the practice court, and does what she needs to do to win."

SC is now 1-1 overall on the season and 0-1 in conference action. The Pride hosts NEWMAC-foe Wheaton College this Saturday, September 16th, at 1:00 p.m. on the Appleton Courts.

published: 09/11/2006