June 27, 2006

PHILADELPHIA -

Despite fielding a squad heavy with juniors and seniors, the 2005-06 season proved to be one of the most difficult in recent memory for the Saint Joseph's women's tennis team. Without any true top of the lineup performers, the Hawks gutted their way through a disappointing season that saw the team post its lowest win total since 1991.

Seniors Nicole Morrison and Jess Swanderski served as captains for the squad and held down the first and third singles positions, while teaming at number one doubles. The duo, who entered the season among the winningest players in SJU history, took home the team's Scholar-Athlete and Vasquez Awards, respectively.

The team's most successful players were sophomore Gina DiGiacomo and freshman Krysta Contino, who tied for the team lead in wins. DiGiacomo led SJU in victories for the second straight season, moving up one spot in the lineup to hold down the number four position, and captured team MVP honors. She also played number two doubles along with junior Marisa Donelson. Contino, meanwhile, emerged as a solid option at fifth singles and took an occasional turn at third doubles.

Junior Erika Guers, who finished second on the team in wins as a sophomore, moved up two spots to the second singles position, but struggled to make the adjustment against better competition. In the fall she teamed with classmate Alisa Van Meter to post a team-best 4-1 record at #3 doubles.

In addition to playing doubles with Guers, Van Meter regularly played sixth singles during the fall, but gave way to a fellow juniors Reshma Moorthy and Donelson during the spring.

The 2006 season proved to be a difficult one on the court for the Crimson and Gray. Still the Hawks proved to be willing competitors and the experienced gained should pay dividends down the road.