June 3, 2004

RALEIGH, N.C. - One year ago Barbara Orlay was coming off of a successful season at Charleston Southern, where she had collected Big South Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors. This past season, however, Orlay opted to transfer to NC State and essentially start her collegiate career all over.

Following an impressive fall semester, earning wins in the St. Mary's Classic and the Residence Inn North/NC State Invitational, Orlay came back to school determined to continue improving her game in the spring. Without question, Orlay did just that. Her 10 singles wins were second most on the squad, boasting an impressive eight wins as the first seed. Along the way, Orlay defeated No. 7 Amanda Johnson from Duke University and battled North Carolina's No. 29 Aniela Mojzis to a hard fought three set match. Orlay finished the season ranked No. 93 according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and was ranked as high as No. 61 during the season. Her success on the court earned her a spot on the Atlantic Coast Conference's all conference team, as well as team MVP.

"Barbara gained great confidence with each match she played this past spring," said head coach Hans Olsen. "She really took a step forward last season and gained a lot of confidence. I am certain that she will return very strong and have a great season next year."

This summer Orlay has elected to stay in Raleigh, continuing to take summer courses while training for next season with the majority of her teammates in the newly completed J.W. Isenhour Tennis Complex.

"We were all really happy that they are finally done with our facility," Orlay said. "It is looking really nice and we will finally be able to practice regardless of the weather."

Orlay remains positive about next season, noting the determination of herself, fellow teammates, and coaches, not to mention the luxury of brand new facilities. She is content with helping to usher in a new era of women's tennis at NC State.

"We have every thing we need to succeed next season; awesome coaches, a new facility, and hard working athletes. Now it's all up to us to make what we can out of it," Orlay said. "I know everybody is hungry for success, so I am really looking forward to next season, which I believe can be really good for us."

Next year the women's tennis team will include four seniors, and return all but two members of this past season's squad. With the opening of the J.W. Isenhour Tennis Complex, the Wolfpack will continue to work towards it goal of establishing itself as a national competitor.