Simmons Tennis wrapped up the fall 2009 season after capturing the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament Championship for the fifth time in six years, and securing a #24 ranking among Northeast Division III programs from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association—the highest ever ITA ranking for Simmons. The Sharks turned in a perfect 8-0 regular season GNAC performance, amounting to a 68-4 record in individual conference matches.

"Overall, this was a very successful fall season," said Head Coach Bob Rauseo. "Despite a rigorous schedule and some key injuries we managed to go 68-4. That's a record that will probably never be equaled."

Freshman Sabrina Salmela (Beverly, Mass.) was named both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year for her spotless record in #1 GNAC singles play, a huge accomplishment for a first-year athlete. In addition, Salmela earned a spot on the All-Conference Singles First Team along with teammates junior Maile Macleod (Carlsbad, Calif.) and junior Katy Hallinan (Maynard, Mass.).

Macleod and Salmela were also named to the All-Conference Doubles First Team. "This may be the most impressive feat because they became the GNAC's #1 doubles team just weeks after meeting each other," said Rauseo.

Maggie Taylor (Yarmouth, Maine) was solid in both singles and doubles. "Her doubles play was especially impressive despite playing with different partners," said Rauseo. "She's a leader on the court and it showed."

Another freshman, Melissa Keroack (Falmouth, Maine) did well in her first season at Simmons, contributing a big win in the GNAC playoffs.

Captains Macleod and senior Jordan Borash (Marblehead, Mass.) provided steady leadership through another successful fall. "The captains led by example and added to the overall experience of a successful fall season. In addition to playing well on the court, this team was very close off the court. That comes directly from the captains," said Rauseo.

It took an entire team to achieve the program's goals this year, despite the roster being peppered with injuries. Rauseo looks to continue to add talent to his roster each fall to supplement an already strong squad as the Sharks' schedule increases in difficulty each year. "This was by the far the most talented team that we've had here at Simmons," said Rauseo. "The nice thing is that they didn't rest on their laurels. They worked hard and were extremely coachable. The team's character was very apparent especially after a couple of 5-4 losses to Babson and Mt Holyoke. They came out and worked more intensely and with a renewed focus. It is this focus and determination that will lead us into the NCAA's as prepared as possible."