After defeating one opponent in singles play and three in doubles last week, freshman Athena Lynch (Andover, MA) has been named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Rookie of the Week.   

"Athena has had quite a start to her collegiate career. Recruited as a doubles player, she is starting to gain experience playing singles.  She gets better every time she steps on the court," said Head Coach Bob Rauseo.  "It won't be long before she's comfortable playing and competing in singles regularly. Her ability to get to the ball will put her in a level above many players."

In last Tuesday's loss to regionally ranked Babson, Lynch teamed up with Sharks captain Jordan Borash for a 9-8 (7-4) doubles victory.   

In their first GNAC match of the season, the Sharks hosted Suffolk University, last year's GNAC Champions on Thursday. Lynch paired up with Borash to knock off the Rams duo of Rebecca Copeland and Katelyn Paquette, 8-1.

Lynch also played an instrumental part in Simmons' third victory of the season against GNAC foe Saint Joseph (CT) last Saturday.  She and Borash teamed up for their third doubles victory of the week, defeating Laura Curley and Anna Whalen, 8-0.  Lynch later faced Curly in singles play and tallied a 6-1, 6-0 win, earning her first collegiate win in singles play.