Women's Tennis Opens Season With Solid Performances

Hawks Take 13 Of 19 Matches At Towson Tiger Classic

SJU took 13 of 19 matches at the Towson Tiger Classic.

Sept. 14, 2012

PHILADELPHIA - Blending a versatile veteran roster and a talented incoming class of freshmen, the Saint Joseph's women's tennis team posted a solid start to the 2012-13 season at last weekend's Towson Tiger Classic. Despite no team results, the Hawks took 13 of 19 matches from their four opponents, including 12 singles victories.

"It was a great way to open the season," said fifth year head coach Ian Crookenden. "We got good showings from our returning players and our newcomers played well in their first collegiate matches. It was a great experience for the team and really showed the depth that we have this season."

Coming off a record-breaking 2011-12 campaign, senior Casey Robinson led the charge for SJU on the weekend, going 3-0 in singles play and teaming with freshman Kristina Eisenbrand for a doubles win over Mount St. Mary's. The Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team honoree moved into second place all-time in program history as well as Robinson posted her 42nd, 43rd and 44th singles wins and trails Allison Popen's career wins record (47) by just three.

Sophomore Aurora Davis posted an impressive singles weekend at the Towson Tiger Classic, going 3-0 in her matches against Towson, Mount St. Mary's and George Washington, while classmates Lauren Roy and Kelly Mulquin went 2-1 with wins against the Mount and Towson.

Junior Devi Jadeja went 1-1 in singles matches on the weekend with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 victory over Samantha Pinchott of Mount St. Mary's, while seniors Nicole Esposito and Jenna Procyk each had good showings in their matches.

Newcomers Eisenbrand, Anne Marie Devlin, Arianne Polatnick all earned playing time on the weekend, with Eisenbrand picking up her first collegiate singles win against Howard and doubles with Robinson against Mount St. Mary's.

Outscoring their opponents 182 to 144 over four contests, the Hawks are poised for a special year in 2012-13. Saint Joseph's will look to continue the strong opening to its season when it hosts the SJU Invitational, September 28-30.