BOONE, N.C.- With the graduation of just one senior, Appalachian State University women’s tennis looks to build upon its successes from a season ago and readies for a 2010 campaign filled with much anticipation.

After finishing the 2009 season with a 9-16 record including a 3-7 conference mark, earning two more overall and one more conference victory than the previous season, the Mountaineers will look to its six experienced returning players for the upcoming campaign, along with three talented newcomers.

Seniors Caroline Mauch and Amanda Cash anchor the veteran group of returnees, with the two combining for 19 wins at the number one and two single spots in 2009.

Sophomores Gisela Fernandez, Blakeley Bean and Olivia Stannard all saw vast amounts of playing time last season as well and will be counted upon to provide leadership and guidance to the three newcomers to the squad.

The 2010 season begins in earnest, as the Mountaineers open up action January 23 at Coastal Carolina. The contest is slated to begin at 11 a.m. With a short turnaround, ASU will then take on N.C. A&T in Greensboro, N.C. on January 24 at Noon.

ASU continues its roadswing with three more non-conference tests, before welcoming East Carolina to the High Country for the 2010 home-opener on February 19.

The ever-grueling Southern Conference slates starts on March 14 with a match at Chattanooga and is followed by seven more league matches in a row, with huge home contests against College of Charleston, Davidson and Georgia Southern.

A five-match homestand marks the end of regular-season contests, with the Black and Gold hosting Samford Saturday April 17 on senior day. The Apps are in control of their own destiny as just the top four teams from the conference qualify for the SoCon tournament, set for April 24 in Charleston, S.C.