August 6, 2007
Bull, Smith, and Tucker Named ITA Scholar-Athletes
Student-athletes maintained minimum 3.50 GPA to qualify for the award

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  Seniors Leighton Bull, Jenny Smith and Tiffany Tucker have been named 2007 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athletes. The award is based on three criteria including: varsity letter winner, a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the current year (2006-07), and enrolled for at least two semesters.

Leighton Bull hails from Berwick, Penn. and has earned a 3.55 cumulative GPA. This past season, Bull played most of the season at number three singles finishing with an overall 14-5 singles record. She went 16-6 in doubles primarily teaming up with Tiffany Tucker. At the end of the season, Bull earned USA South Second Team honors.

Jenny Smith maintains a 3.79 cumulative GPA. A native of High Point, N.C., Smith finished the 2007 season with an 18-2 singles record while going undefeated in the USA South. She combined with Lauren Hulse to accumulate a 15-4 doubles record. Smith earned USA South All-Conference First Team honors before being named the Most Valuable Player of the Conference Tournament.

Tiffany Tucker carries a 3.89 cumulative GPA.  Originally from Circleville, Ohio, Tucker went 16-8 at number one singles this season including a 6-1 record in conference play.  During doubles competition, Tucker combined with Leighton Bull for most of the season to earn a 17-5 record.  At the end of the regular season Tucker was named to the USA South All-Conference First Team.

The Methodist women's tennis team went on to win the USA South Tournament Championship, receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  A 9-0 win over Principia helped the Monarchs to their first postseason win in program history.