Nov 16, 2007 -- A successful first season of Skyline Conference competition for the Yeshiva University Women’s Tennis team has resulted in significant post-season recognition as sophomore Stephanie Kimmel, from Allentown, PA, was voted First Team All-Conference, and YU was awarded the Skyline Conference Sportsmanship Award for Women’s Tennis.

Both awards were based solely on the votes of the Head Women’s Tennis Coaches within the Skyline Conference.

“This is one of the most exciting announcements we have had this season for our women’s athletics program,” said Joseph Bednarsh, director of athletics. “To have a student-athlete recognized as one of the best in the Skyline Conference, and for our team to be rewarded for displaying the highest level of sportsmanship is the perfect example of what we are aspiring for department-wide.”

Kimmel, a biology major who studied in Israel during her freshman year, emerged as one of the best rookies in the Skyline Conference during the 2007 season. While competing at first singles, Kimmel finished the fall season with a 7-3 record, including a 6-1 record during her last seven matches as she squared off with the best individual player each opponent had to offer.

She also compiled a 7-3 record as a member of YU’s first doubles team. Twice during the fall season, Kimmel was named to the Skyline Conference Honor Roll for our outstanding play during the year.

As a team, YU finished the fall season with a 2-8 overall record, including a 1-7 mark in Skyline Conference competition under the guidance of first year head coach Roger Crawford. However, the season was YU’s first in the Skyline Conference, and four of the conference matches could have gone either way. The university will continue competition early in 2008 when they compete during a spring women’s tennis season for the first time.