WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Fresh off its first Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) championship in program history, the Washington & Jefferson College women's tennis team looks to defend its title in 2020. The Presidents begin their season at Westminster on Sunday, March 14.
 
Coach Megan Foster begins her first season as the head tennis coach at W&J. She inherits a roster that features the returning PAC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
 
"I couldn't have asked for a better group of students athletes to work with," said Foster. "It has been challenging with COVID however having Maya and Bella taking the lead has been extremely helpful not only for me but for the newcomers as well. We focused on getting ready physically and mentally for the season."
 
2019 Season Review: The Presidents posted an 11-5 record and ended the season with a nine-match winning streak that included the PAC Tournament.
 
The Presidents secured the second seed in the PAC Tournament with a 6-1 record in league play. W&J picked up convincing wins over Bethany, Saint Vincent, Geneva, Thiel and Waynesburg and split with the top two teams in the PAC Preseason Poll: Grove City and Westminster.
 
The Presidents were edged by Grove City 5-4 on Sept. 18 in a match that featured four singles matches that were decided by third set tiebreakers.
 
W&J collected the second seed by virtue of 5-4 win on Oct. 3 over previously-unbeaten Westminster.
 
In the PAC Tournament, the Presidents earned a 9-0 win over seventh-seeded Bethany in the PAC Quarterfinals.
 
In the semifinals, Westminster won two of the three doubles flights but W&J responded by winning four singles flights to win 5-3 and advance to the PAC Championship.
 
In the PAC title match against Grove City, the Presidents battled back from a 2-1 deficit after doubles play to win 5-3 and claim the first PAC title in program history.
 
Maya Krishnasamy (Ventura, Calif./Ventura) was named the PAC Player of the Year, the PAC Tournament MVP and All-PAC First Team at No. 1 singles and doubles.
 
The PAC honored Bella Goldman (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper Saint Clair) as Newcomer of the Year and joined Krishnasamy as an All-PAC First Team player at singles and doubles.
 
Seniors Jade Annaldo (North Kingstown, R.I./Scituate), Megan Berard (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) and Caitlin Shellhammer (Birdsboro, Pa./Daniel Boone) each earned All-PAC designation in both singles and doubles play. The trio combined to go 8-1 in singles play in the PAC Tournament.
 
"The team played amazing last year working cohesively together and raising the bar when challenged," said Foster. "The women were determined and disciplined about their game they played fierce!"
 
Team Captains: Maya Krishnasamy and Bella Goldman
 
Returners: The Presidents two regulars form last fall's regular lineup with their No. 1 and No. 2 singles players.
 
Krishnasamy returns for her junior season after another dominant year at No. 1 singles and doubles. She earned PAC Player of the Year status in each of her first two seasons.
 
"I really enjoy watching Maya play, her confidence on and off court is exemplary," said Foster. "She gives 100% every time, Maya was just recently awarded the Paul Reardon Award which is presented annually to a male and female junior athlete who demonstrate academic, athletic, and leadership qualities. 
 
Last season, Krishnasamy went 14-2 at the Presidents' top singles spot, including a 7-0 mark in conference play and she ended the year on an 11-match winning streak.
 
Goldman manned the No. 2 singles flight and recorded a 9-6 record in singles play. She was 6-1 against PAC opponents and ended the season on a five-match winning streak.
 
"Bella has truly come into her own as a player and leader on the team," said Foster. "She's extremely passionate about her game and progress as an athlete. She is always up at the courts ready to play or in the gym working on her endurance."
 
Krishnasamy and Goldman teamed up at No. 1 doubles where the duo went 10-6 (6-1 PAC).
 
"Maya and Bella are great role models for the team!" said Foster.
 
Sophomore Victoria Wilson (Butler, Pa./North Catholic) returns to the roster for 2020.
 
"Victoria has been a big help off court and on," said Foster. "She has helped get the newcomers up to hit and work on their game. Looking forward to Victoria playing doubles, using her height and net game to dominate during the match."
 
Newcomers: The Presidents welcome four newcomers to the roster in 2021.
 
"My senior Julia Schaffer is a solid player who is a multi-sport athlete (softball/tennis) she comes to the team this year bringing lots of talent and passion to the team," said Foster. "The three newcomers Elizabeth "Libby" Conlon, Jaelyn Kennedy (swimming/tennis) and Lisha Chadda all are fierce competitors who looking to establish their spot on the team."
 
Fr. Lisha Chadda (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Eastern)
Fr. Libby Conlon (Renfrew, Pa./Knoch)
Fr. Jaelyn Kennedy (Pottstown, Pa./Pottsgrove)
Sr. Julia Schaffer (Ebensburg, Pa./Central Cambria)
 
Looking at the Schedule: The Presidents are scheduled to play an eight match, PAC-only schedule in spring 2021. W&J will host six of eight opponents, only traveling to Westminster (March 14) and Grove City (April 14).
 
The Janet Swanson Tennis Center is the host site for the PAC Tournament's semifinal and championship rounds. The PAC Tournament begins with the conference quarterfinals on April 20, with the semifinals and championship matches on April 23 and 24.
 
PAC newcomer Franciscan will compete in women's tennis for the first time in 2020. The Lady Barons have won the last four-consecutive AMCC women's tennis titles. Last fall, Franciscan went 8-0 in AMCC play and swept its way through the AMCC Tournament. Against PAC opponents last fall, the Lady Barons lost to Westminster (4-5) but defeated Grove City (7-2).
 
Last Word: "This team really came together well considering all the challenges this past year with COVID," said Foster. "We are a young team working on finding our rhythm. I expect some road bumps along the way however the attitude and determination on the court is right on course. We do not know what to expect for this season but really looking forward to the future of tennis here. We as a team are working on not only our game but the future of tennis as a whole for W&J. The team wants to see more tennis alive on campus not only amongst the team but for everyone to enjoy for years to come!"