Steele is acing tennis at Assumption College

Plainville's Shannon Steele, who helped the King Philip Regional High girls' tennis team earn a state tournament berth in 2003, is now a sophomore at Assumption College in Worcester, where she was honored this month as Most Valuable Player in women's tennis at the college's student-athlete awards reception.

''Shannon is just a solid player for us," said Assumption coach Lorene Washburn.

''She is so steady and is very good at waiting out her opponent," the coach said. ''Shannon is in no rush to win the match; many times she allows her opponent to beat herself."

Steele, who was coached at King Philip by Bob Goldberg, had a 3-7 record at No. 5 singles and a 5-6 record at No. 2 doubles her freshman season at Assumption, when she received her first MVP honor.

This past season, she had an 8-5 singles record while playing the Number 3, 4, and 5 slots and an 8-6 overall mark at No. 2 and 3 doubles.

''Shannon is a very fine baseline player," added Washburn. ''While her serve is not overpowering, it is effective. She has been the most consistent player on the squad over the last two years."

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