Simmons Tennis returns in 2010 after the most successful season in school history last year. The Sharks captured the 2009 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship title for the fifth time in six years after a dominating 8-0 regular season GNAC performance. Simmons also achieved a #24 Northeast Ranking from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association—their highest ever—and advanced to the round of 32 in the spring 2010 NCAA Tournament.

"This year is shaping up to be another good year," said Head Coach Bob Rauseo. "We should be a bit stronger than last year. "We would like to win the conference again. It won't be easy though, as most of the teams are returning their better players. We will also look to improve on our ITA ranking."

The Sharks' returning players will lead a class of talented freshmen in achieving their goal of another GNAC title. The 2009 GNAC Rookie and Player of the Year, Sabrina Salmela (Beverly, Mass.), went undefeated in conference #1 singles play, and combined with Maile Macleod (Carlsbad, Calif.) to win a key doubles match in the NCAA first round.

Macleod and Katy Hallinan (Maynard, Mass.) will provide senior leadership, and along with junior Maggie Taylor (Yarmouth, Maine), will serve as team captains.

The returners will be joined by a very strong recruiting class of four freshmen. "I would not be surprised to see freshmen in the starting line-up," said Coach Rauseo. "If we stay healthy, we will be very competitive. As always, it our biggest asset will be our depth."

Simmons Tennis will open the season on Saturday, September 4 at Wheaton, and will host their home and GNAC opener on Thursday, September 16 at 4:00pm as they battle the Saints of Emmanuel College.