By Kyle Bennion
Photo Editor
Coach Scott Dicheck, who has been with the team for the past 15 years, said the goal for this season is to win the NJAC Conference tournament to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
“We have a very unique group this year,” Dicheck said. “With five returning players and five incoming freshmen, we have a core group of young players learning from the experience of the older players.”
Dicheck was also pleasantly surprised at the speed at which the freshmen became relaxed in their new team setting. He highlighted doubles sets as a focus of the team, which are played at the beginning of every match before the singles sets are played.
“The best girls in high school usually played only singles,” Dicheck said. “If we can win doubles, it gives us a huge leg up for the rest of the match.”
He also emphasized the importance of the preseason regiment the team is on, explaining that preseason is where the team builds chemistry and is able to focus on fundamentals.
The speed at which the team’s chemistry formed impressed him — it wasn’t lost on the team’s two captains, either. Juniors Jasmine Muniz-Cadorette and Emma Allen also commented on the team’s unison.
“A lot of our preparation in the summer is focused on individual work, but when we all practice together in the preseason, we really spend time making sure everyone is comfortable,” Allen said.
The two captains spoke about the team’s expectations and on their sustained success.
“Even though we’ve won 151 straight conference matches, every new win feels special,” Muniz-Cadorette said.
The two also emphasized goals of their leadership roles: pushing players to new limits and positivity.
Both Allen and Muniz-Cadorette are most looking forward to Nationals, where they can showcase their talents against the rest of the nation.
The girls play their first match against Rutgers in Camden on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 11 a.m., while their first home match against Stockton College is on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
