Local tennis star visits Cabrini en route to Athens

CHRISTINA WILLIAMS MANAGING EDITOR CMW722@CABRINI EDU

For the last four years Cabrini College has been the host to the Philadelphia Freedoms. The Freedoms are one of ten tennis teams that make up the World Team Tennis tour.

The Freedoms got their name from the famous Elton John song “Philadelphia Freedoms.” The team is owned by famous women’s tennis player Billie Jean King.

The Freedoms is made up of marquee players and other professional tennis players. This year the Freedoms added marquee player Patrick Rafter. Other marquee players include Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova.

The marquee players are chosen through draft picks just like the NBA or the NFL. All marquee players who chose to play for the season enter their names. Then each team’s general manager chooses the marquee player of their choice. This year the

Freedoms got first pick and chose Rafter

Even though the marquee players are the famous ones on the team; it does not mean there are not other players making a statement. Lisa Raymond, who plays for the Freedoms and lives in Wayne, Pa., was a participant at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

After Jennifer Capriati pulled out of the Olympics due to an injury, Raymond was chosen to take her spot. Raymond defeated Kurhajcova in the first round and Silvia Farina-Elia in the second round. However, Raymond only made it to the third round of the Olympics where she was defeated by Alicia Molik.

Recently Raymond just competed in the 2004 US Open being played in Flushing Meadows, N. Y. Still, Raymond only made it to the third round when she was defeated by Justine HeninHardenne. To get to the third round Raymond beat Alina Jidkova in the first round and Maria Kirilenko in the second round.

AMS725@CABRINI EDU

West Nile virus is something many have heard about, but few give much thought to. First identified in 1937 in eastern Africa, West Nile virus was not identified in the US until 1999.

The virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, which are thought to have obtained the virus when biting an infected bird, “is a type of organism called a flavivirus and is similar to many other mosquito-borne viruses,” according to

Yahoo! Health. The highest amounts of the virus are carried by mosquitoes in the early fall (late August-early September).

Aside from being transmitted by mosquitoes, the virus may be spread through organ transplantation and blood transfusions. According to Transfusion Medicine professionals at Underwood-Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, NJ, “Blood donations are screened using a serologic test which has significantly reduced the risk of West Nile virus in blood transfusions.”

West Nile fever develops in approximately 20% of those who become infected. The incubation period for the onset of disease symptoms is three to 14 days.

Some symptoms that may occur, and last for three to six days, are back pain, fever, muscle aches, nausea, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat and lack of appetite. Muscle weakness, confusion, stiff neck, and loss of consciousness can transpire in more severe disease.

When looking for signs of West Nile virus infection, there is nothing that can be found on a physical examination although a rash is present in 20-50% of patients. There are diagnostic tests that can be run if the virus is suspected. Acomplete blood count, lumbar puncture, head CT scan and a head MRI scan may be done.

Serology is the most accurate way to diagnose infection. According to Yahoo! Health, this test is “used to detect the presence of antibodies against the virus in spinal fluid or serum,” which is the liquid that remains after the blood has clotted.

In terms of treatment, antibiotics are not helpful in treating the infection because the illness is not caused by bacteria. There are no human vaccines available now.

Several things can be done to prevent against the West Nile virus infection. Avoiding mosquito bites. This can be done by using repellant products that contain DEETand keeping skin covered. To control breeding, stagnant water should be drained and community spraying may be done.

MATT CAMPBELL SPORTSEDITOR MCC724@CABRINI EDU

Cabrini’s men’s soccer team looks to improve upon last year ’s performance with freshmen additions and experienced returning upperclassmen. Led by Coach Doug Meder, the Cavaliers were back at school in mid August for training camp. “During camp we are gearing up with three daily workouts,” Meder said. The three practices consisted of a morning cardio workout with sprints and endurance training. Then, the team rested up and went back onto the field to do practice drills. After a short dinner break the team was back for a scrimmage to end the day.

“I expect an immediate impact from the freshman this year,” Meder said. This year’s team is made up of 14 freshmen. “This season we have a strong freshman recruiting class,” Meder said. “Alot of the freshmen recruits will contribute to the team and build towards the future,” Ian McDonald, junior soccer player, said.

McDonald said, “Last year was the first season in years that we haven’t made it to the playoffs. We want to certainly make improvements from last year.”

Last season the men’s team started off the season losing its first five matches. “Preseason was a lot more intense this year so I’m hoping we will see improvements,” said McDonald.

Although this year the team is comprised of a lot freshmen it also has quite a few returning players with college level experience. The team also returns four seniors. “Having senior leadership is definitely an advantage,” Meder said.

Incoming freshmen, E.J. Gilchrist and Barry Magagna, are from Archbishop Ryan High School and have been playing together for years. Gilchrist said, “We both hope to start and help the team as much as possible.”

Cabrini’s men’s soccer team will have many new faces this year and all with the aim to get back to the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference playoffs. Meder said, “My goals for this season are to once again make the playoffs and to win as many games along the way as possible.”