Women's Tennis 2023-24 Season Preview

2022-23 In Review

In a rematch against Moravian University for the second consecutive year, the Drew University women's tennis program clinched its second title by triumphing over the Greyhounds with a 5-1 victory.

This marked the third Landmark crown in the team's history and the fourth overall conference title for the Rangers. Mary Kalorin, who had won at both No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles, was recognized as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Rangers surged to a 2-1 lead after doubles play. Kalorin and Sofiya Lebedeva opened with an 8-3 victory before Courtney Bresler and Danielle DelRosso earned an 8-4 win at No. 2 to make it 2-0. Moravian's Maddie Figiel and Cristina Merone won 8-6 at No. 3 doubles to make it 2-1.

Lebedeva followed up with a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles before Kalorin registered a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 3. Bloemendaal provided the finishing touches with a 6-4, 6-4 triumph at No. 4.

Catholic University

• Head Coach: Nate Farlow (2nd Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 7-12 (3-4 Landmark)

The Catholic University women's tennis program is poised to build on the successes of the previous season, welcoming back a diverse lineup featuring one graduate student, three seniors, one junior, and one sophomore. Adding to the roster's depth, the Cardinals have introduced five talented freshmen.

In the fall campaign, the Cardinals went 4-2, with their only defeats coming at the hands of Lebanon Valley College and Randolph-Macon. The dynamic duo of Paige Brightwell and Meaghan Laniewski shone in doubles play, achieving a notable 4-2 record, while Ava Niggemeier and Mairead O'Hara mirrored this success with their own impressive 4-2 performance.

As the spring season unfolds, Catholic University is set to embark on its journey with a road trip to Salisbury, Md., where they will face Salisbury University on Saturday, February 17th.

Drew University

• Head Coach: Scott Veith (7th Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 19-3 (7-0 Landmark)

The Rangers enter the current season on the heels of an outstanding 2022-23 campaign, boasting a stellar 19-3 record. Their accomplishments include an undefeated run in Landmark Conference regular-season play, clinching a second consecutive Landmark Conference title, securing a first-round victory in the NCAA Division III Championships, and surpassing the program's historical records with five additional victories.

As they gear up for the upcoming season, the Blue and Green squad welcomes back seven key players from the previous year, spearheaded by the experienced leadership of senior Melina Christodoulou and junior Mary Kalorin.

Christodoulou, a three-time, First Team All-Landmark Conference singles performer, put together a 12-4 singles mark last season while Kalorin finished 16-5 to capture her second straight First-Team All-Landmark singles honor. Kalorin also competed at the top of the lineup in doubles and finished 18-4 to tie the school record for doubles wins in a season and was a First-Team All-Landmark doubles selection. Christodoulou competed at No. 2 doubles and finished 15-3 while earning second-team all-conference honors in doubles.

Elizabethtown College

• Head Coach: Michael Anderson (7th Season)
• 2022 Record: 6-6 (2-5 Landmark)

The Elizabethtown College women's tennis program left an indelible mark upon joining the conference, clinching three consecutive league titles from 2015 to 2017. Following a strong fall campaign, marked by victories over Immaculata University and Penn State Abington, seventh-year head coach Michael Anderson is eager to lead the Blue Jays back to championship glory.

Bolstered by a roster seasoned with experience, the Blue Jays field three seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman. The dynamic duo of Haley Bishop and Olivia Richards particularly shone, boasting an impressive 3-0 record at No. 1 doubles during the fall season, setting a promising tone for Elizabethtown's quest for another championship under Anderson's guidance.

Goucher College

• Head Coach: Steve Baum '11 (6th Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 10-7 (5-2 Landmark)

Since assuming leadership in the 2018-19 season, sixth-year head coach Steve Baum has steered his alma mater to three Landmark postseason berths. Concluding their fall campaign on a high note, the Gophers secured a commendable 2-1 record, notably triumphing with an 8-1 victory against Elizabethtown.

With only one all-conference performer, Ceri McCaffrey, departing due to graduation, the Gophers enter the upcoming season with optimism. The return of Eliza Abady and Natalia Navarro, both honored as Second Team All-League selections in the previous year, adds a formidable edge to the team's lineup, setting the stage for continued success under Coach Baum's guidance.

Juniata College

• Head Coach: Nick Margiasso (2nd Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 0-13 (0-7 Landmark)

Following his appointment in the winter of 2022-23, Head Coach Nick Margiasso embarks on his inaugural full season leading the Juniata College women's tennis program.

Amidst anticipation for a promising new era for the Eagles, nature had different intentions. Despite their eagerness to compete, Juniata found themselves restricted to just two invitationals, with several dual matches falling victim to weather-related postponements or cancellations.

With a roster leaning towards youth, the Eagles boast a blend of promising talent. Their lineup comprises three first-years, accompanied by one junior and one senior, signifying a transition towards a youthful yet determined team under Coach Margiasso's guidance.

Lycoming College

• Head Coach: Joel Reid (2nd Year)
• 2022-23 Record: 8-9 (3-4 MAC)

Buoyed by their experience in the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) Freedom Championship last year, the Lycoming College women's tennis team enters the Landmark Conference with optimism, having officially joined as a member in the summer of 2023.

The fall season presented challenges for the Warriors, resulting in a 0-6 record, including a notable 8-1 loss to the reigning conference champions, Drew University. Despite the tough slate, the team is led by the dynamic duo of Hiyori Iai and Sarah Lanphear, both contributing with two wins each, showcasing the resilience and potential of this young squad. As they transition to the Landmark Conference, the team carries high hopes for a successful season ahead as they open the spring season with a trip to Elizabethtown College on March 23.

Moravian University

• Head Coach: Mariana Freitas (3rd Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 16-5 (5-2 Landmark)

Over the past four years, the Moravian University women's tennis program has been a consistent contender in the Landmark Championship match. Following their triumph in securing the program's fifth title in 2019, the Greyhounds faced setbacks in the subsequent two years, falling short to Drew University. Moravian concluded the fall slate with a 4-2 record, harboring aspirations for a return to the championship match.

Despite bidding farewell to three all-conference performers who graduated last year, the Greyhounds have rallied behind a strong roster. Notably, four players have four or more wins this season. Sydney Shifman remains undefeated at 6-0 while competing at No. 4 singles, while Ali Bender and Gabby Martin have displayed impressive performances with 5-1 records at No. 3 and No. 6 singles, respectively. Mara Stapleton has contributed significantly with a solid 4-2 record at the No. 5 singles spot.

University of Scranton

• Head Coach: Janice Winslow (10th Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 9-9 (4-3 Landmark)

With a coaching tenure spanning a decade, Head Coach Janice Winslow maintains her status as one of the longest-serving coaches in the Landmark Conference. As she embarks on her 10th year, Coach Winslow holds lofty expectations for her program, having consistently led the Royals to impressive achievements.

Under her guidance, the team has secured at least 10 wins in eight out of the 10 seasons, and has made regular appearances in the Landmark postseason since her takeover in 2013, including a noteworthy conference championship in 2018.

As the Royals look forward to the upcoming season, they rely on the leadership of junior Daniella Wisniewski, the sole returning all-conference performer. Wisniewski showcased her prowess in the fall with three doubles matches, partnering with Taralyn (2-0) and Gisele Falzone (1-0).

Wilkes University

• Head Coach: Todd Kane (3rd Season)
• 2022-23 Record: 6-7 (5-2 MAC)

The Wilkes women's tennis team is excited to join the Landmark Conference after winning 13 of the last 15 MAC Freedom championships including 13-straight from 2008 through 2021 with the exception of the COVID year.

Seniors Cassidy Greenman and Zoe Klein along with junior Tea Amerise return to the top of the lineup with a lot of high caliber collegiate experience. Amerise is a two-time First Team All-MAC Freedom player while Greenman is a two-time Second Team member.

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