Feb. 1, 2007
The Fairfield women's tennis team opens the second half of their schedule on February 3 against Hartford at the Simsbury Tennis House. The match is slated to begin at 1:30 p.m.
The Stags have a new look for its 2007 spring campaign as six newcomers join the five returning players from one year ago. Despite the fresh faces, Head Coach Ed Paige is confident that his team can compete for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) title.
"I can't wait for the season to start," Paige said. "We have a tremendous amount of talent and a hardworking group."
Freshman Paulina Rys, a native of Forest Hills, N.Y., will challenge for No. 1 singles. Rys had an outstanding fall that was capped off by a victory at the ITA Regionals. She became the first Stag in seven years to post a win at the prestigious event.
Penciled in at No. 2 singles is sophomore Marisa Voloshin, who will play her first year of tennis with the Stags. Voloshin, a native of Woodbridge, Conn., was a four-year letterwinner at the Hopkins School, where she went 10-0 as a senior. Despite battling injuries in the fall, Paige is hopeful that Voloshin will be near full strength in the spring.
Also battling injury is sophomore Lauren Bonanno who should see time at the top of the lineup. Bonanno, a native of Florida, was able to rehab in her home state during the winter break and should be ready for action in the spring. During her first season, Bonanno posted nine victories on the season, including five at first singles. She also recorded 11 doubles victories.
"I eagerly await Lauren's return to see what she has to offer. After all, she was our number one player last year," Paige said. "Lauren is a tremendous competitor and we look forward to having her back."
Freshman Dana Postupack will take over at No. 4 singles for the Stags. A native of Kingston, N.Y., Postupack went 48-3 in high school along with three league championship titles and three medals at the Empire State Games.
Another freshman will check into the top six, as Michaela Cerrone will play at No. 5 singles. Cerrone, who was healthy most of the fall, was outstanding, picking up some big wins for the Stags. The Rhode Island native joins the Stags from a very talented Mount Saint Charles Academy squad. During her career, she went 51-1 overall, including a 13-0 mark as a senior, and helped her team to three state championships.
Senior Alexis Accomando and sophomore Gabriela Davila will see time at No. 6 singles. Both are coming off big fall seasons and are ready to make their presence known in the spring. Last season, Accomando was second on the team in victories with 26. She recorded 13 singles victories primarily at third and fourth singles. Meanwhile, despite going 7-12 on the season, Davila earned All-MAAC second team honors after a stellar performance at the MAAC Championships. The quick, agile Davila closed the season by winning her last four matches of the season and had 11 doubles victories as well.
The Stags have four other talented players who will be mixed into the rotation.
Junior Cristin Zaccareo rejoins the Stags after studying abroad in Italy during the fall semester. Zaccareo saw limited action going 3-1 last year and earned a spot on the MAAC All-Academic team.
Junior Courtney Price had a solid spring season, going 8-6 at fifth and sixth singles. "Courtney is extremely dependable and hardworking," Paige said. "We definitely can count on her in crucial spots."
Freshmen Gretchen Amberg and Courtney Taylor each saw limited time in the fall, but geared up their games toward the end of the season. Both should see some time in the Stags lineup.
The match against Hartford is the first of four indoor contests for the Stags. Fairfield will face Holy Cross on February 10 in Stamford, Conn. before heading to NJIT and Albany. After the Stags' Spring Break trip to Florida, Fairfield will open MAAC play on March 25 against Saint Peter's. The Stags' first home match of the spring season will take place on March 31 against Niagara.
