New home, strong women’s team defines 2014 MGCCC Tennis

  After a banner 2013 campaign, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College tennis team surges into 2014 with high hopes and a new home. This spring Gulf Coast will play home matches at the college's new tennis complex located on the Perkinston Campus.

   "It's a state-of-the-art facility," said Gary Bourgeois, Gulf Coast tennis coach. "We're very excited to be able to practice and play here on campus. We'll also be hosting this year's MACJC Tournament in April."

   Bourgeois expects his Lady Bulldog team to compete for several post-season awards after a successful run through the fall. Not only did Gulf Coast sweep two matches from Faulkner State, but Lady Bulldog sophomore Kit Chowdhary and freshman Christa Owen competed at the ITA Small College Championships in Fort Myers, FL from Oct. 10-13. Chowdhary and Owen are teamed with sophomores Brittany Buker, Aliesha Barlow, Sarah Soares, and Anneisia Johnson. Freshmen Ana Pol and Tori Rose will also contribute on the court this spring.

   The men's team is coming off a 2013 that featured MACJC & Region 23 titles and a top 16 showing at the NJCAA Tournament. That sophomore heavy group is being replaced this year by a strong freshman class that includes Matt Barlow, DeAngelo Vaxter, Bobby Vo, Trey Ward, Travous Wilson, and Trey Youngblood, and sophomore Josh Johnson.

  "Our men's team is very talented but also very raw," Bourgeois said. "They played hard last fall and gained some valuable experience. We're hoping they can get better with each match."

   Bulldog tennis opens 2014 action Feb. 7 at home against Faulkner State.