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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The 2011-12 season for both the men's and women's tennis team set the bar and now head coach Patrick Grashorn is looking at continuing the success that was built last season and make Davenport into a contender each year in the conference and national ranks. Check out a look at the men's and women's teams as we go one on one with Grashorn heading into the team's first match of the season on Friday against cross-town foe Cornerstone University.

Q&A with Head coach Patrick Grashorn

Coming off a great season for both the men and women, how are you planning to keep the momentum for the program?

“Last year was the best season we've had for both teams. We've done a good job replacing last year's seniors and the two red-shirts from a year ago are eager to compete this year. We need to continue to improve on the big points. Everyone knows now that we can play up with the big opponents and this year I'm looking forward to not only being competitive but winning those close matches. “

Both the men and women have brought in good size classes, what can we expect out of the newcomers?

My focus in this year's recruiting class was to bring in players that will have an immediate impact. We were left with big shoes to fill but I feel confident that we've gotten stronger from top to bottom with both teams. They came in ready to work hard are eager to represent DU.”

Your men's team has a solid core group of young players - what is the next level you expect them to reach?
The men's team is quite young this year with only one senior. The younger guys; Christian Woods, Matheus Moreira de Carvalho, Eric Pell and Tyler Chambers, did a lot of growing up between now and this time last year. Hanging close with someone is no longer enough. They lost some close matches last season and have used those losses as motivation.  These guys know that now and I look for them to have terrific seasons.”

On the women's side - what will it be like replacing the twins and who do you expect to fill that opening at #1 and #2 singles and #1 doubles?

The twins (Diana Favela and Denisse Favela) accumulated a lot of wins at 1 and 2 singles and 1 doubles. They were a large reason for our past success. We are still putting together a lineup so I can't yet say who will be playing 1 doubles but Alyssa Fuentes has done very well in her singles challenge matches and will most likely play #1. I focused this offseason on not just replacing players but adding depth. We may not be as dominate at the top this year but we should see a better record throughout. Emily Spiech is ready to step up after a year observing and the freshman are coming in with a good level of experience.

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