Coming off an impressive season in 2021, the Berry women's tennis team has all the ingredients to take the program to the next level this season.

When the Vikings serve up their 2022 campaign, which starts Feb. 10 when the team hosts non-conference for Brenau at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College, head coach Clay Hightower's squad will mix a veteran group of tested players who helped the team compile an 11-3 overall record last year with a talent-laden group of underclassmen that have the potential to be a threat in the hunt for a Southern Athletic Association title.

Leading the list of experienced Vikings are three players who have already established themselves as All-SAA performers – Kathryn Barker, Allison Ivey and Juliana Mascagni.

Baker, who was a 2019 All-SAA pick, graduated with her degree in 2020 after that season was cut short due to the pandemic. But she has opted to return to Berry as a graduate student and make the most of her remaining year of eligibility.

Also returning in senior Allison Ivey, a two-time All-SAA selection who posted a 10-2 record in singles last year and an 11-1 doubles mark.

Rounding out the veteran returnees is sophomore Juliana Mascagni, who claimed All-SAA honors in 2021 after going 12-1 in singles play and 11-1 in doubles.

In addition to the experience those players bring back, Hightower points out, they also provide an amazing leadership foundation for the team.

"Some lead by their work ethic; others are quiet leaders," the coach said. "We're not hurting for leadership."

Expecting to add to the Vikings' lineup are a pair of sophomores Adelle Yanez and Emma Kruger, both who saw extensive playing time in 2021, and freshmen Lauren Masteller and Lacey Craig.
 
Hightower said that once again the battle for the SAA title will be a familiar one, with Sewanee being the team to beat.

"They are head and shoulders above everybody," Hightower said of the Tigers. "But the 2, 3 and 4 spots are up for grabs between Centre, Rhodes, Millsaps and Berry."