By Nafeesa Connolly and Kate Joseph
Staff writers
Tennis
The Sharks Tennis team approaches this season just as strongly as last year, with five new faces this fall.
The defending Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) champions welcome first-years Cathy Baker, Sofie Epshtein, Ashley Pierce, Theresa Reinhard, and Emmy Snyder to the roster, as well as seven returners, including senior and GNAC Tennis Player of the Year Margaret Teague and sophomore Tennis Rookie of the Year Meghan Cokley.
“The newcomers have played very well,” said Head Coach Bob Rauseo. “Sofie Epshtein and Theresa Reinhard have more than held their own in the first four matches. I expect them to have very solid years.”
The team opened their season on Saturday, Aug. 31, with a loss against Wheaton College, 8-1. The Sharks captured their first win on Monday, Sept. 2, against the Mount Holyoke College Lyons, 6-3, and another two wins last week against Roger Williams University, 6-3, and Clark University, 9-0.
“We have a 3-1 record so far and have played strong competition,” said Rauseo. The team will face the Colby College Mules in Maine on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m.
Soccer
After a standout 2012 season ending with a trip to the GNAC championship, the Sharks Soccer team continues their hunt towards a GNAC title and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The team welcomes seven first-years to the roster: Cecille Pereira, Tasha Friedman, Emily Andrulis, Jillian Hughson, Marissa Pellegrino, Kristina Alex, and Elise Nothacker, in addition to 11 sophomores, one junior, and three seniors.
“My staff and I are excited to see how our team progresses through the season,” said Head Coach Erica Mastrogiacomo Schuling.
The Sharks took a 1-0 loss against the MIT Engineers in their season opener last Monday, Sept. 2. This past weekend, the team hit the road, traveling to Castleton State College in Vermont for the Rutland Herald Invitational.
After gaining a 2-1 win against the Castleton Spartans on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Sharks advanced to the championship round on Sunday, Sept. 8, but were unable to clinch the win against the Skidmore Thoroughbreds, losing 1-0.
“As long as we improve each game, that is all we can ask for,” said Schuling. She also said playing competitive teams will help the Sharks prepare for conference matches, including their first of the season this Saturday, Sept. 14, against the Mount Ida Mustangs at 1 p.m. on home field.
Cross Country
Fresh off a third place finish at the 2012 GNAC Championships, the Simmons Cross Country team opened their season this past Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Roger Williams Invitational at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI.
Finishing first for Simmons and 29 overall was returning junior Shelly Potter with a time of 21:42.29. Other impressive returning runners include Ellen Girouard, Bre Glynn, and Kara MacLean.
The Sharks welcome several new faces, including Coach Brian Cunningham, who remarked, “I’m very excited to be a part of the Simmons family. This is an up and coming program, and I’m delighted to help take them to the next level. The ladies on the team have been working very hard this summer and we’ll look to translate that hard work into success later in the fall.”
Cross Country will return on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. to compete in the Wellesley College Invitational.
Field Hockey
The 2012 season was a successful one for Simmons Field Hockey, who made it to the North Atlantic Conference for the third consecutive time; this fall they hope to do even better. The team ranked 6 in the GNAC preseason poll, making this season’s success a definite possibility.
The team welcomes back nine returning players including standout seniors Renna Smith, Seneca Martensson, and junior Avery Hines. Joining the Sharks this year are 12 new athletes who will anchor the team as well. Returning Coach Amanda Maxwell notes that of the freshman “Many… will be immediate impact players.”
Coach Maxwell is very confident in her team, especially those leading the team, noting “These three captains display a tremendous work ethic, positive attitude and desire to succeed.”
Field Hockey opened their season with an outstanding 6-0 win against the Becker College Hawks on Tuesday, Sept. 3. At the time of press, the Sharks maintain a 2-1 record. The team will continue their season tomorrow, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. to play against host Wheelock College.
Volleyball
After obtaining the number 3 spot in the GNAC Women’s Volleyball pre-season poll, the Simmons Volleyball team is ready for an exciting season.
The team welcomes five new faces to the roster as well as five returning players, including standouts Nafeesa Connolly, Rossi Fish, and Megan Chamberlin.
Under head coach Alesia Vaccari, the Sharks hope to return to the GNAC tournament this year. Coach Vaccari says of the team, “We have a very challenging schedule this season playing some of the top teams in New England. But as a program that is the only way we will improve. We are very young this season but we are working hard and learning how to compete.”
The Sharks opened their season on Saturday, Aug. 31 with an unfortunate 0-3 loss at the Wheaton Invitational, losing to both Wheaton College and Western New England College. The team currently holds a 0-7 record with hopes of improvement.
Volleyball returns this weekend at the MIT Invitational, with games against Wellesley College and Connecticut College Friday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively at Simmons as well as matches at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday pitting the Sharks against Endicott College and Regis College.
