Women's Tennis Tabbed as Favorite to Extend Streak
EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey women's tennis team will once again put one of college athletics' most impressive streaks on the line as its 35-year conference winning streak is tested by the rest of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. "I think the biggest thing about the streak is you have people from my early years, people from before I got here that are all a part of this," said head coach Scott Dicheck. "There is an expectation amongst our returning players to continue it." TCNJ was the unanimous top selection by the conference's seven coaches. Stockton was selected second followed by Ramapo. Rutgers-Camden, the league's dark horse, was fourth. Kean, William Paterson, and Rutgers-Newark rounded out the poll, respectively. The Lions bring back 2016 ITA All-American and 2017 all-conference doubles player Grace Minassian, but she will be looking for a new partner in her senior season. "I think obviously [Minassian] can play at the top level so the goal is that whoever she is partnered with, she will raise their level of play," said Dicheck.
Also returning for the Lions are all-conference singles players Alyssa Baldi, Audrey Chen, and 2017 NJAC Rookie of the Year Andrea Giacobbo. Giacobbo and Baldi were also all-conference doubles players. "Alyssa is someone who is rock steady at both singles and doubles," said Dicheck. "As she approaches her 100th career win, you know she is someone that day in, day out is going to perform." There will be several opportunities for a strong group of newcomers to make the starting lineup and contribute right away. "Audrey is coming off a good season and is a true leader on this team," said Dicheck. "With a large incoming class, I really believe that the freshman will look up to her as well as our other captains. From the recruiting process, the biggest things I took away other than the talent is that they are all hard workers, and they all want to be part of a team that is successful and contribute to that success." The Lions conference schedule begins Sept. 5 when they host Stockton University at 4:00 p.m. TCNJ concludes conference play with a road double header at Ramapo College and William Paterson University on Sept. 15.