A Look Back: 2020 Rutgers Tennis
4/6/2020
2020 RUTGERS TENNIS
Rutgers tennis had just surpassed the midway mark of its regular season, racking up eight victories so far in the campaign. The Scarlet Knights early highlights included wins over Army, Seton Hall, and UPenn to name a few, as the squad continued to show its grit in competitive matches.
“We had a terrific start to the season,” said head coach Hilary Ritchie. “Of course, in college tennis, the closest match comes down to a 3-3 tie with one match to finish. This spring that match was against UPenn. We came back from 0-3 down to 3-3 with senior co-captain, Jaci Cochrane also down. She played so fearlessly to comeback and clinch that match for us.”
“As a team overall, this group was especially willing to learn and grow. We made some changes in our doubles movement and strategy this year. Change isn’t easy, but they stayed open and worked to improve.”
This team mentality translated to many positives to build on despite the shortened season.
SINGLES
Rutgers saw strength in singles competition, as sophomore Sydney Kaplan led the team with an 8-4 overall record across the No. 3 and 4 spots. Sophomore Tess Fisher and junior Maya Jacobs split time at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, compiling seven victories in singles on the year. Senior Jaci Cochrane added a 7-2 record of her own, while sophomore Kristiana Zahare added a 6-1 mark in singles play.
“In singles, our players know how to compete. Stylistically they have different games, but showing up on match day is critical. Whether up or down, it is always about the next point,” said Ritchie.
DOUBLES
The Scarlet Knights used new movement in the doubles competition this year and saw various pairs find success. Fisher and Kaplan paired up the most to obtain a team-leading 5-2 doubles record together. Senior Kat Muzik and Jacobs were 3-0 as a duo, while Cochrane and Jacobs were 3-1. Transfer Sydney Jones contributed to three doubles wins with different partners.
“In doubles, they understood positioning and placement better. We are on the right track to win more doubles points,” said Ritchie
TOP 10 HELPER HELPER TEAM
Show some love to @MemphisWTennis @RaginCajunsMT finishing as the top Div I teams in #communityservice. These SAs definitely let their #service do the talking#Top10 #BeAHelper@GreenWaveWTenn @RaginCajunsWT @NCCUWT @creightonW10S @RutgersTennis @AppWTennis @UMichWTennis @UAB_WTN pic.twitter.com/KLuBMpPfLq
— Helper Helper (@HelperHelperApp) March 28, 2020
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT, THANKS TO OUR SENIORS
The squad looked to carry its early year momentum through its Spring Break trip and into the rest of its Big Ten slate. However, the growing concerns of global health led to the cancellation of all remaining winter and spring competition.
“When the decision to cancel competitions was made, it was a shock. However, they knew it was the right decision to keep our communities safe. The first few weeks of the isolation were difficult for everyone.There is so much love on this team for the two seniors, and that is where everyone felt sorry for their disappointment. We have all grieved at a lost season, but there is so much to look forward to,” said Ritchie.
The squad can certainly look forward to a bright future, as the majority of the roster is comprised of underclassmen with four sophomores - Tess Fisher, Sydney Jones, Sydney Kaplan, Krisitiana Zahare - and two juniors - Isabelle Da Silva and Maya Jacobs. Especially since the program’s two graduating seniors Jaci Cochrane and Kat Muzik have led them well and built a strong foundation to add to.
“This class of seniors is particularly special to me. They were my first class of freshmen as a Head Coach,” said Hilary Ritchie. “I remember calling each of them the summer before they arrived at RU and telling them I had been hired to take over the program. From the first day, they bought in to what I wanted to create. I have been fortunate to coach them for four great years, and I am sorry that their senior year of competition was cut short. However, they have made an impact on Rutgers and our program.”
TEAM OUTLOOK
The Rutgers tennis program certainly has a strong outlook. The team’s dedication to improve and battle to new heights will continue to propel the program. Most exciting of all, the young group will now carry another year of competition into its return.
“I have continued to see growth in all of our student-athletes. That’s what every coach wants. Growth isn’t always a straight line up. We strive to get the best out of each player. I want them to know that there is always room to improve. Each returner can have an even better year starting in September,” said Ritchie
“As a team we are very focused on the process. We talk constantly about taking ownership on the things we can control. This group is tough and they won’t settle. I am always optimistic about what we can achieve.”
