2016 Women's Tennis Preview

Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| The St. Joseph's College (L.I) women's tennis team looks to bounce back in 2016 after suffering a 5-1 defeat to Farmingdale St. in the Skyline Conference Championship last season.

In his 14th season at St. Joseph's College, head coach Glenn Nathan has his sights set on a conference title. In a poll voted on by the Skyline Conference's coaches, the women's tennis team is slated to finish in third. The returning Skyline Champion Farmingdale St. received seven first place votes and finished first.

2016 Skyline Conference Coaches' Poll
1. Farmingdale State * (7) - 49
2. Yeshiva (1) - 43
3. St. Joseph's-Long Island - 37
4. Sarah Lawrence - 31
5. Purchase - 23
6. Mount Saint Mary - 19
7. Sage - 14
8. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn - 8

First-place votes in parentheses    
*Defending champion 

The Golden Eagles saw their four top players depart after last season and welcome back only two returners, including Skyline All-Conference Second-Team selection Victoria Panicola and team captain Erika Hesselbirg.

Coach Nathan will have a brand new look to his team with the addition of seven freshmen recruits in Nora Burnett, Alana Caporale, Lindsey Charner, Kerri McMahon, Jamie Meere, Emily Portal and Amanda Post.

"The new recruits make us a stronger team instantly," stated Nathan as he looks to build on the program's recent successes.

Coach Nathan and his team will begin their 2016 season on Friday, September 2 when they travel to take on William Paterson.

The most anticipated match of the season will be played on September 21, when the Golden Eagles seek revenge in an away match vs. Farmingdale. That game is scheduled to start at 4 PM

The Skyline Conference Championship Tournament will begin on Friday, October 28 and runs until Sunday, October 30.