Nov. 20, 2002

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack tennis team signed Laura Harrison (Shreveport, La.) and Lauren Nowicki (Jacksonville, Fla.) to National Letters of Intent announced SFA head coach Bret Arrant Wednesday.

The 5-2 Harrison is a nationally ranked player at Captain Shreve High School. She is currently ranked third in the state of Louisiana. Harrison is also a three-time Louisiana 5A doubles champion that is ranked among the United States Tennis Association Southern Section's top 60.

The 5-8 Nowicki makes her way to Nacogdoches by way of Bolles High School in Jacksonville, Fla. Last season, Nowicki finished third in the state in both singles and doubles. She was also the 2001 district singles and doubles champion. As a sophomore Nowicki was ranked 49th in Florida and among the nation's top 265 players. Nowicki is also a success in the classroom being named to the honor roll.

"I am very delighted with out two signees," said Arrant. "Both of these talented players will make an impact their freshman year. You worry sometimes when you sign players early that they may lay off for the next 10 months, but after talking with Laura and Lauren, I am confident that when they arrive next fall they will be better than they are now."

The Ladyjacks kick off the 2003 spring season Saturday Feb. 1, at Louisiana Tech. The match is slated to begin at noon in Ruston, La.

-SFA-