Contact: Stan Cole

Four Lady Camels Earn A-Sun Conference Honors

BUIES CREEK , N.C. – David Johnson of Campbell University has been named Atlantic Sun Conference men's tennis Coach of the Year and seven Fighting Camels were recognized on the league's 2004 all-conference teams.

Johnson, who was named A-Sun women's Coach of the Year in 2001, has guided the men's team to a 67-59 record (.532) in six years, including a 28-14 record over the last two seasons. His women's teams have amassed a 91-36 mark (.717).

"The recognition provided me is a direct result of the players' efforts," said Johnson, whose Campbell men and women have combined for a 158-95 (.625) record over the last six years. "We had a good year and ended with a strong run. In three of the last four years, we've had one of our teams in the finals of the conference tournament. The two previous times, the women were there. So it was nice to see the men continue to advance themselves and balance the scales within our program. The honor is nice for me, but even more so for the players, our assistant coaches Perrine Johnson and Sasa Ljumic, and the program as a whole."

Campbell senior Carmen Linder was named to the A-Sun All-Conference Women's First Team for the third time in her four-year career. The Beinheim, France resident went 16-8 in singles this year, including a 12-6 mark in dual matches. She led the Lady Camels to the program's eighth-consecutive winning record.

The lone holdover from Campbell's 2001 A-Sun championship squad, Linder finished her undergraduate requirements in May 2003, but returned for her final year of eligibility while pursing a master's in business administration. She finished her career with a 53-42 singles record, playing almost exclusively at the top two spots in the order.

Senior Pascale Veraverbeke, a product of Waregem, Belgium, earned A-Sun Second Team honors. She posted a 15-8 singles mark, 14-5 in the spring season, and combined with Linder to go 12-8 in doubles, 10-5 in duals. In two years after transferring from Iowa, Veraverbeke compiled a 31-19 singles and 26-11 doubles mark.

"These two ladies were terrific all year long," said Coach Johnson, "not only from a playing standpoint, but in a leadership and effort role as well. Carmen played on a championship team, then both she and Pascale played on a runner-up team a year ago. Our roster wasn't as deep or strong this year, but they both certainly had their best years. I'm pleased that they received this recognition. It is certainly well-deserved."

A pair of Lady Camels were named to the A-Sun All -Freshman Team. Constanta, Romania native Georgiana Marta, who went 16-7 in singles action, was joined on the unit by teammate Iva Stojancev, who posted a 12-10 singles mark in the middle of the ladder.

"Georgiana had a terrific year with a somewhat hurt shoulder," said Coach Johnson. "Both she and Iva were a contributing factor in the success we had this year. Having two players on the all-freshman team also speaks well as we move into next year.

Campbell's women finished the year 11-9 overall, 5-2 vs. A-Sun opponents.

"To have seven players of our 15 players overall to be recognized, I think anyone would be pleased to have that representation on the conference level. I know that I am," said Johnson.
On the men's side, Jiri Beranek was named to the A-Sun First Team, while Florent Wilpotte earned second-team honors. Artoym Starkov gained A-Sun All-Freshman Team recognition.