BOSTON, Mass. – Simmons freshman Nicole Eskenazi (Goleta, Calif.) was named Great Northeast Athletic Conference Tennis Rookie of the Year Monday, as the GNAC announced its 2011 All-Conference tennis teams. Eskenazi went 18-0 in the conference in her rookie campaign and was an integral part of the Sharks undefeated championship season.

The Sharks landed three spots on the All-Conference Singles First Team, sophomore standout Margaret Teague (Manchester, N.H.), #3 powerhouse Allison Bodek (Lynnfield, Mass.) and #5 singles, Eskenazi. This is Teague's second year in a row receiving this honor.

Junior captain Sabrina Salmela (Beverly, Mass.) was named to the All-Conference Second Team as well as being named to the All Conference Sportsmanship Team representing Simmons.

Teague and Bodek paired for a successful season at #1 doubles, posting a 6-1 record in the conference, including defeating the #1 doubles pair from Emerson who were previously unbeaten in two years of GNAC competition. The duo was named to the 2011 Doubles All-Conference Second Team.

With four consecutive GNAC Championships, coach Bob Rauseo was awarded the 2011 GNAC Tennis Coach of the Year for his outstanding efforts. "Bob has done an incredible job with these young women and continues to elevate the level of our tennis program," said Simmons Director of Athletics, Ali Kantor.

The Sharks finish their season with a perfect record of 10-0 in conference play.


Click Here for the full 2011 GNAC All-Conference List.