The year could not have started out much better for the women's tennis team.
The women started off their dual-match season with an impressive 9-0 win over New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponent Kean University on Tuesday. The win was the Lions' 96th straight NJAC victory. They have not lost a NJAC match since women's tennis became a league sport in 1982.
At first singles, sophomore Kristen Klepacki beat Kean's Marina Vaskovtsev without losing a game, and all three of the College's doubles teams equaled that feat, shutting out their opponents.
Klepacki's victory improved her career singles record to 24-3.
Sophomore Jackie Gavornik, second singles, junior Katie D'Amato, third singles, freshman Kristen Turturiello, fourth singles, junior Katie Richards, fifth singles and freshman Karen Shih, sixth singles, all won their matches in straight sets.
"It was a great way to start off the season," Head coach Scott Dichek, who was very pleased with his team's performance said.
He was impressed with the team's focus "from top to bottom" of the roster, pointing out the women's quick leads, excellent footwork, relentless desire to win their matches.
The team's success has resulted in some lofty goals for the Lions. Dichek is looking to win the last four matches within the NJAC to bring the women's winning streak to 100. However, Dichek warns that the team has to "take it one match at a time."
Upcoming Match
The next match will take place Thursday, Sept. 18, at Richard Stockton College, which, along with Montclair State University, is considered one of the Lions' toughest NJAC opponents.
Dichek, however, appeared comfortable with the team's upcoming schedule.
"If we have the same focus and energy level then I'm very confident," Dichek said.
