Determination is the key to the 2004-05 season as the Dukes set their sites on breaking into the top four ranking of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Duquesne looks to build on their improvement from last season which saw the Red & Blue finished sixth at the A-10 Championship - a step up from the previous year. Despite losing two solid players to graduation, seventh-year head coach Joe Camillo boasts a deep and talented roster on which to rely, despite their youth. This year's edition of the Dukes features two seniors, three sophomore and four freshmen. The Dukes look to build on a promising 4-1 fall record as they enter the spring championship slate, which is highlighted by the A-10 championships slated for April 22-24 at the Tennis Center at College Park (MD).

Veterans Sarah Shanahan and Julie Wagner return to lead the Rd & Blue in what they hope is the most successful and memorable season. Shanahan, who has continually improved her game, enters her senior campaign strong after boasting a 22-15 overall mark last season securing third through sixth singles as well as all three doubles spots. She was 6-1 in singles, 2-0 in doubles play in the fall and went 9-6 in singles, 6-9 in doubles during the spring. This past fall, 2004, Shanahan was 5-3 at third, fourth and fifth singles and went 2-2 at second and third doubles. She entered her fourth and final year as a Duke boasting an overall mark of 78-48. Wagner has been a sound performer anywhere from No. 3 through No. 6 singles and at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles. She posted a 13-16 overall record last season gong 4-5 in singles and 9-12 in doubles. Wagner boasted a 4-1 doubles record during the fall '03 season. She was 2-3 at first and second doubles this past fall and faced tough competition going 2-5 in singles play.

The sophomore class carries the heavy burden of stepping up their already quality play from a year ago. The trio of Jackie Hughes, Ciara McDermott and Alicia McNamara surprised many last season combining for a 58-41 record, led by Hughes' 27-16 showing. Hughes came into the picture strong taking over the No. 3 singles spot where she was 13-1 overall, including a 10-1 mark during the spring championship slate. She was 6-2 at No. 2 singles and 1-1 at the No. 1 spot. Hughes played No. 1 and No. 3 doubles where she posted an 8-14 record and earned A-10 Rookie of the Week laurels once. She also went 8-0 in singles action in the fall '03 and captured the Flight B singles title at the Bucknell Invitational. Hughes was 7-2 at first singles and 1-3 at first doubles in fall '04 competition. McDermott recorded a 16-15 showing playing the No. 4 and No. 6 singles and No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions. She boasted a spotless 5-0 mark in doubles action in the fall, which included the Flight D title at the Bucknell Invitational. McDermott was 4-1 in doubles, 2-1 in singles this past fall at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles. McNamara went 15-11 on the year with a 14-9 single record and 1-2 doubles mark. She showed consistent play going 6-1 at second through fourth singles in fall '04 and was 8-8 in the spring securing mainly fourth singles. McNamara went 65-2 in singles play this past fall at third, fifth and sixth singles.

The freshman class has shown extreme promise in its short tenure with Duquesne leading the Red & Blue to a 3-1 mark this past fall. The combination of Johanna Bezjak, Andrea Sailer, Eva Routs and Jenny Wilson could prove to be lethal throughout the championship slate this spring. Bezjak has emerged as a steadfast competitor going 10-4 in her initial collegiate slate. She boasted a 4-1 mark playing each doubles position and enjoyed a 6-3 record at first, second and third singles. Bezjak's unyielding start is a quality sign of things to come. Sailer was thrown into the ranks contending at No. 2 and No. 3 singles this fall where she went 3-5 in singles facing some hard-hitting competition. She racked-up a 3-2 doubles record, which included a 2-1 mark at No. 2 and 1-1 showing at the No. 1 spot. Sailer is expected to only get better and will challenge for top spots in each match. Routs and Wilson join the squad as walk-on additions and have shown promise in their short debuts. Routs went 1-0 in doubles winning vs. Robert Morris and 0-2 at fourth singles at the Bucknell Invitational. Wilson was 1-0 at sixth singles and 1-0 at third doubles taking both wins over Robert Morris. Each is expected to see additional playing time as they adjust to the collegiate ranks and will vie for their positioning in the Dukes' cohesive line-up.

The 2005 Atlantic 10 Championship season features matches with Atlantic 10 opponents Xavier, Dayton and George Washington as well as nationally ranked (ITA) Rollins. Xavier placed 2nd at the 2004 A-10 championships while GW was 5th and Dayton 8th. Non-conference bouts are slated with Buffalo, Toledo, Bucknell and local rivals Pitt and West Virginia. The season concluded with the A-10 Conference championships April 22-24 at the Tennis Center at College Park in Maryland