Dixie State College Athletics

ST. GEORGE - Ashley Lafeen and her Dixie State women's tennis teammates are already a part of history. They played the Rebels' first-ever matches against Utah State and Weber State last weekend. On Saturday they'll make another bit of history when they entertain Southern Utah University in their first-ever home match. The teams will meet at Green Valley Resort's outdoor courts at 11 a.m. Lafeen. a freshman from Murray. plays No. 1 singles for the Rebels. "It's going to be rough at first." Lafeen said of the development of the program. She said she knows little about the Thunderbirds' team although she knows Deena Jensen. a redshirt freshman out of Brighton High in the Salt Lake Valley. Lafeen said Jenson has been injured. "It's Division I." Lafeen said of SUU's program. "We're going to have to be playing our best singles as well as doubles." Coach Eric Pelton said. "of course we want to win. but at the point we're at right now. the biggest thing is gaining experience." DSC has 14 matches this season. SUU will return for another match on March 7. The Rebels will make a trip to Hawaii later in the season. There they will play future Pacific West Conference opponents BYU-Hawaii. Hawaii-Hilo. Chaminade and Hawaii Pacific as well as Albertson College (Idaho). The 5-foot-2 Lafeen is a graduate of Murray High School. In her senior season she played No. 2 singles and placed second in region play. She then went on and won the Class 4A state championship at that position. Although she has been playing tennis with her mother since the age of six. Lafeen said she began focusing on the sport her freshman year in high school. Lafeen said she knows this season isn't going to be an easy one for her or her teammates. "Most of the girls she plays will be juniors or seniors who've been in their programs for several years." Pelton said. "Playing better people is going to help us improve." Her path to progress comes with a plan. "I'm going back home for the summer and will play in a summer league against a lot of older. more experienced people." Lafeen said. "I hope to build up (my game) from year to year." While Utah State and Weber State both blanked the Rebels. Pelton said he saw improvement in his seven players. "The two matches we played helped the girls progress." Pelton said. "They helped them see how we need to work to get to the next level." Pelton said he believes Dixie State has the perfect environment in which to build a successful women's tennis program. He noted that the community has ideal weather. plenty of courts and players and an athletic program committed to success. This year's team includes freshmen Rebecca Wright out of Pine View. Lindsey St. Jeor from Centerville (Viewmont); junior Lanie Evans. who graduated from Snow Canyon; junior Liza Davis out of Dixie High; junior Danelle Williams from Logan and senior Marci Sheffield. also out of Viewmont.