Progress is the name of the game for this year's Lady Cajuns Tennis team.

Now in her second year as head women's coach, Tina Samara said she likes how this year's team is progressing in all aspects of their college careers.

"The fall season went really well," Samara said. "In our home tournament we had players in the finals of every flight. We were in the finals of a doubles flight and were forced to forfeit the match due to default. I think we made a lot of progress.

"Tara (Vasovic) made a lot of progress," Samara added. "She made some good decisions this summer that helped lead her to having a solid fall."

But with any new coach and new players, things weren't always running smooth.

"We had a lot of behind the scenes challenges and I guess we had a little battle," Samara said. "But now we're all on the same page. There have been some small adjustments in attitude and I think that was very important.

"I look at how very far we have come in only one season," Samar added. "We had to scramble to get a sixth player last season and I think there were unfair expectations coming in. Now it's not an excuse."

One nice addition to the team has been Julie Mazinova who had success in the fall tournaments, making it to the finals of two tournaments.

"I think Julie showed that level she can play at having beaten some SEC players," Samara said. "She believes she can play at a higher level now.

Since taking over the program, Samara has been able to see the players and team grow like she wanted it too.

"I have my own goals for this program and it's higher than just being ranked," Samara said. "It takes time to get the program to where I want it to be. We've done a good job of changing the way they think. It's important that they learn what they need to do and how hard they have to work.

"But most importantly that it can be fun...because that's the reason you play tennis."

The Lady Cajuns return nearly every contributor from last season's team. Mia Gordon and Milou Israel return in addition to Mazinova and Vasovic.

Expect Mazinova, who was 9-1 at No. 2 singles in 2009, to be the leading force behind the 2010 team.

The Lady Cajuns open the season on Sunday, Jan. 24 at LSU. After a week off, the first home match of the season takes place Thursday, Feb. 4 against Nicholls State at 3 p.m., at Cajun Courts.

Like the men's team, the women's team travels to Fayetteville, Ark., to meet Arkansas the weekend of Feb. 5-7. While there UL will also play Oral Roberts.

The Cajuns close out February with three straight home matches, Feb. 12 through Feb. 18.

Other schedule highlights include the Florida road trip, March 5-7, to meet UCF, Florida Atlantic and FIU for the second straight season. The home finale is set for Saturday, April 3 vs. New Orleans at 2 p.m.

The 2010 Sun Belt Conference Tournament will be held April 22-25 in New Orleans

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