BILLINGS, Mont. – A balanced lineup of upperclassman leadership and young talent has the Montana State University Billings women's tennis team set for a progressive season in 2014-15.
 
First year head coach Becky King inherits a program that finished the 2013-14 season with a record of 3-9 overall and 2-3 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action. "The women's team finished ranked fifth in the RMAC last year and were 2-3 by the end of the season," King said. "That's not too bad of a finish, but with the team we have this year we can do much better. We have struggled a bit in the past in terms of depth to our lineup, and this year I can see that we have that depth we have been looking for."
 
Paving the way for the Yellowjackets will be senior Emily Paffhausen, who has been a staple within the program over the past three seasons. "Emily will be our captain this year, and she has been at the top of our doubles line," King said. "She is a very hard working student-athlete both on and off of the court. She has shown great leadership and communication skills, and with a young team she is the one senior that we have. I am excited for her to display her qualities to the team this season."
 
Also back for the 'Jackets is sophomore Morgan Opp, who played a key role for MSUB during the 2013-14 season. "Morgan went strong all season for us, and she was in a tough position at number one as a freshman," King said. "She is definitely going to be huge at the top of the ladder for our doubles and singles team, and she has already shown her strength by playing against tough opponents as a number one player last season."
 
Juniors Mary Conwell and Hannah Shephard also return to MSUB's lineup this year, each brining two seasons of experience within the program to the 2014-15 squad.
 
Providing young energy for King's team this season will be a pair of local freshmen from Billings West High School in Jade Goodyear-Anderson and Ricquel Ramsbottom. "Both Jade and Riquel will play for us this season, and will certainly provide our ladder with some depth," King said. "Both are hard hitters, are quick on their feet, and I expect them to push some of the returning players for time. I'd like to get them some college experience and to the point where they're playing every day, and I'm excited to see what both of them are capable of."
 
With the opportunity to host a home meet this fall, MSUB's women will have an early-season test. "The women will host Bozeman on Oct. 25, which is an annual meeting we have with them," King said. "It's a big deal for us, and we really look forward to hosting a match. It's a great way to put the sport on display for the campus."
 
Prior to the home contest, MSUB's fall season kicks off with an individual tournament in Denver this weekend. "We have a very young team, and we just need some experience and leadership to have success this year," King said. "We are starting off our season really early, and it is a good way to see where our team is at."