(LEBANON, Ill. - Nov. 20) - McKendree University women's tennis head coach René Vidal is pleased to announce graduate student Sara Kalkenova (Astana, Kazakhstan/Zerde School No.9) and sophomore Viola Cipriani (Arezzo, Italy/Liceo Classico Francesco Petrarca) as co-captains for the Bearcats women's tennis team for this upcoming season.
 
Kalkenova, a graduate student from Astana, Kazakhstan, finished last year's abbreviated season with a 17-13 record, including an 11-4 record in singles play, while also earning GEICO Academic All-GLVC honors.
 
"It is an honor to be named captain for this upcoming year," said Kalkenova. "I look forward to being a leader on the team and helping everyone reach their potential both on and off the court."
 
During the Bearcats only match of the fall season, against Quincy University, Kalkenova, along with fellow captain Viola Cipriani (Arezzo, Italy/Liceo Classico Francesco Petrarca), secured the win at first doubles for the Bearcats by a score of 6-3.
 
Cipriani, a sophomore from Arezzo, Italy, finished last year's abbreviated campaign for the Bearcats with 10 wins for the Bearcats, with six coming in doubles play, and four wins in singles competition.
 
"Being nominated captain is an honor," said Cipriani. "And my goal for the team is to become the best versions of ourselves."