CALIFORNIA (Aug. 7) – Three standout student-athletes from various countries around the world have signed to attend the California University of Pennsylvania and play tennis for the Vulcans, announced the Tennis program on Friday.

The group includes players from Germany, South Africa and Spain.

“We have five of our six players returning from last season and these additions should make us a more competitive team at the national level,” said eighth-year head coach Pablo Montana. “We will playing more Division I teams this season – Ohio State, West Virginia and Villanova – and during our spring trip we will face some of the best Division II teams, including defending-national champion Armstrong Atlantic (Ga.).”

Cal U advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second time in three years last season and claimed its third-consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Team Championship.

Quotes from Montana:

Jutta Bornefeld – Varel, Germany
“She is ranked very high in the German rankings and has an excellent record against NCAA Division I and Division II players from the United States playing in European tournaments. Not only is she a great singles player, but she also is an excellent doubles player.”

Jade Pondicas – Johannesburg, South Africa
“Jade is by far the highest-ranked junior player that we have ever had in the program. She is ranked fourth in singles in the Southern Africa under-18 league and is also the second ranked doubles player. She most recently lost in the finals of the junior national hardcourt tournament.”

Monique Symthers – Spain
“Monique provides quality depth to our program and will compete for playing time throughout her first season.”