Wildcats stand in way of Ritt's pursuit for victory No. 200

By Joe Smith

Daily Sports Writer

Back in 1984, the year Detroit hero Kirk Gibson hit the famous homer off Goose Gossage to win the Tigers their last World Series, a 24 year-old named Bitsy Ritt - with only two years experience as an assistant coach - came in with the challenge of turning the Michigan women's varsity tennis program around.

Sixteen years, three Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and four NCAA tournament appearances later - Ritt finds herself one victory away from 200 going into this Sunday's match against No. 21 Kentucky at the Varsity Tennis Center.

"I'm proud of the accomplishment, but its not that important to me right now," Ritt said. "Whether it's win number one or number 200, I just want to beat Kentucky."

This monumental victory will definitely be no easy task with the nationally ranked Wildcats coming into Ann Arbor fresh off a win over No. 27 North Carolina.

Although losing their top three singles players, an All-American and their No. 1 doubles team from last year, Kentucky coach Mark Guilbeau doesn't think the Wildcats will be in trouble.

"We're maybe a better team than we were at the end of last year.

"Although we lack in experience, our skill level has actually improved and so has our intensity."

The Wolverines (4-0) have matched their win total from last year - and it's only February. Senior co-captain Danielle Lund is expected to return to singles competition, attempting to add to her team-leading 69 career victories.

"I believe in this team, and I think we got a chance to do great things," Ritt said. "I think that this Sunday will be a good chance to go out and compete against a great team.

"It will be a great opportunity to get some confidence and momentum going, especially with the Big Ten season just a week away."