Season Preview: 2022 Women's Tennis
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- After finishing as the Presidents' Athletic Conference Tournament runner-up for the second consecutive season, the Washington & Jefferson College women's tennis team looks to climb back to the top of the PAC in 2022.
2021-2022 Season Review: The Presidents posted a 7-4 overall record and finished PAC play with a 6-1 mark. W&J's lone loss in regular season play came at the hands of Franciscan.
The Presidents advanced past Westminster in the PAC Tournament Semifinals with a 5-2 victory. It marked the third consecutive year that W&J advanced to the Championship Match. W&J faced Franciscan for a second consecutive season in the finals. The Barons bested the Presidents by a 5-0 score in the title round. It marked the second consecutive season that the Barons defeated W&J in the championship match.
Maya Krishnasamy (Ventura, Calif. / Ventura),
Bella Goldman (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Upper Saint Clair), and
Nidhi Pulicherla (Chandler, Ariz. / Hamilton) all received 2021 All-PAC Women's Tennis First Team honors for their stellar seasons.
PAC Players To Watch: Bella Goldman,
Nidhi Pulicherla
PAC Preseason Poll
| 2022 PAC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll (Predicted order of finish) |
| School (first-place votes) |
Points |
2021-22 record (conference) |
| 1. Allegheny College (8) |
72 |
7-11 (0-3 NCAC) |
| 2. Franciscan University (1) |
64 |
15-5 (7-0 PAC) |
| 3. Westminster College |
56 |
11-4 (5-2 PAC) |
| T-4. Grove City College |
48 |
10-6 (4-3 PAC) |
| T-4. Washington & Jefferson College |
48 |
8-4 (6-1 PAC) |
| 6. Saint Vincent College |
35 |
5-9 (3-4 PAC) |
| 7. Thiel College |
29 |
2-12 (2-5 PAC) |
| 8. Geneva College |
27 |
5-6 (1-6 PAC) |
| 9. Waynesburg University |
17 |
0-10 (0-7 PAC) |
Team Captains: Bella Goldman and
Jaelyn Kennedy
Returners: Goldman, Pulicherla and Kennedy return to lead the way atop of the Presidents' lineup.
"They now know what to expect and know what kind of work it is going to take to continue to be a top contender in the conference. They knew early on that summer that conditioning and play was important. Matches can be long, so I wanted them to start the year with strong hitting and the ability to compete in longer rallies," stated Foster. "I like what I am seeing from everyone as both returning players and recruits have stepped up their game, that's something I am seeing on the practice court. Some expectations and goals are establishing unity and respect both on and off court with doubles as well."
Goldman compiled a 8-2 overall singles record at the No. 3 spot to earn All-PAC First Team status. She combined to go 4-3 in doubles play at the No. two position. Goldman will also be entering her first season as team captain alongside
Jaelyn Kennedy.
"I have high hopes for
Bella Goldman this year. Both she and Maya did a good job leading last year," said Foster. "Bella has been eager to take this role and I think her attitude and passion for tennis is just what this team needs. Her commitment to the team both on and off court has helped with team bonding and setting expectations."
Kennedy will be entering her third season in the Red and Black, as she comes off of a season where she competed at three separate singles positions.
"Jaelyn has displayed commitment and dedication to the team over the years. She's fully committed, coachable, and always willing to help as she is focused both on her own game and helping others", said Foster. "Both Jaelyn and Bella complement each other. Their positive vibes and availability to others helped make my decision. They both want to see everyone on our team succeed and feel included."
Victoria Wilson (Butler, Pa./North Catholic) and
Lisha Chadda (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Eastern) both return to an experienced roster. Wilson posted an impressive singles record in the sixth slot having a 4-1 record and 3-2 doubles record at number three.
Nidhi Pulicherla (Chandler, Ariz / Hamilton) is coming off of an impressive freshman campaign as she was undefeated in second singles (9-0) and first doubles (8-0). This type of production granted her PAC Rookie of the Week three times, PAC All-Tournament Team, All-PAC First Team (No. 1 Doubles), and All-PAC First Team (No. 2 Singles).
"
Nidhi Pulicherla had an amazing freshman season athletically and academically. She was able to transition into college tennis, which isn't always easy," said Foster. "She faced strong competition and I think that challenges her to contine to work and improve. I am excited to how Nidhi and her returning teammates have evolved their respective games over the summer."
Pooja Potluri (West Fargo, N.D. / West Fargo) finished with a 4-3 singles record in the fall season of 2021. She primarily competed at the number six singles.
Emma Humphrey (Pittsburgh, Pa. / North Hills),
Gloria Johnson (Stafford, Va. / Brooke Point), and
Bailey Phillips (Washington, Pa. / McGuffey) all return for their respective sophomore seasons.
Newcomers: The Presidents welcome three freshmen and one new senior to the roster in 2022.
Coach Foster Quote on the Newcomers:
"
Rachel Karman,
Eden Ma, Bella Naddeo and Kesilou Ondige are all superb additions to the team. We are building depth. That's something that I would like to see grow more in future years," said Foster. "These ladies will be adding to the already solid lineup. There are going to be battles for starting positions, which is good because in the end, we want to put our strongest lineup on the court. The group is all very supportive of each other and understand the importance of what it takes to be a solid team."
Eden Ma Fr. Pittsburgh, Pa. / Upper St. Clair
Isabella Naddeo Fr. Canonsburg, Pa. / McGuffey
Kesioluwa Ogundipe Fr. Uniondale, N.Y. / Uniondale
Rachel Karman Sr. Allison Park, Pa. / Hampton
Coaching Staff:
Megan Foster enters her third season as the head tennis coach at W&J.Foster has led the W&J women's tennis program to the PAC Tournament Championship match two years in a row. On the men's side she also helped W&J alumni Nate Wang and Sam Bellini in their senior seasons receive 2021 All-PAC First Team status in singles and All-PAC Second Team honors in doubles which was also her first season as head coach for the Presidents.
Looking at the Schedule: The Presidents are scheduled to play a 10-match regular season. The Presidents begin their season on the road at Allegheny College on Sept. 3 & 4 for a two-day tournament. W&J faces the Gators, Pitt-Greensburg and Penn State Altoona in non-conference play.
The PAC schedule opens at Westminster on Sept. 10. W&J hosts Franciscan on Sep. 21 in a rematch of the past two PAC Tournament Championship matches. The Presidents host Grove City (Sept. 26) in a key PAC matchup before traveling to PAC favorite Allegheny on Oct. 5.
The PAC Championships are slated to be held contested on Oct. 11, 14 and 15. The conference champion will gain the automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
Last Word From Foster: "I'm excited for the experience these ladies will get and the team building and support they will have while being a part of the team. Whether on the court or off, everyone has a role and I'm excited to see their growth with the sport, their confidence on and off court and their ability to navigate difficult situations," said Foster. "We will face a lot of competition this year, especially with Allegheny and Franciscan, it's not going to be easy but they know what's ahead. They will be challenged but I believe in them."
