Women's Tennis Season Preview

By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- There is a new look at the top of the Bridgewater State University women's tennis team's lineup this season.

The Bears' top three singles players -- Madeline Von Ruden, Mackenzie Silveira and Meghan Lotti -- finished their careers last fall.

Von Ruden played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles all four seasons at BSU, earning All-Little East Conference honors as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior.

"She is going to be tough to replace," said coach David Purpura.

Silveira was chosen to the All-Little East first team in doubles last season and made the second team in singles at No. 2 while Lotti was 7-4, including 5-2 in the conference, in her final collegiate season.

The Bears will look to fill that void with a balanced team this season, one that includes six sophomores, two juniors and a senior.

BSU plays its first match on Saturday at home at noon against the University of Saint Joseph's from Connecticut at the Rosen Memorial Courts.

"I hate the phrase rebuilding," said Purpura. "In the Little East, you're never out of it. I think it's a growth year, for sure.

"There are teams like UMass Boston and RIC that are predicted to be strong again. We'll be competitive. We won't be an easy out for anybody. I'm hoping to finish similar to last year in the semifinals (of the LEC tourney) at worst and from there, you never know."

BSU had a competitive training camp leading up to the weekend opener and will start the season with sophomores in the top four singles slots.

"We have a competitive roster," said Purpura, "and they're all fighting for a spot."

Emma Gibney (New Bedford, Mass.), a transfer from Providence College, will begin the season playing No. 1 singles.

She was a top player at New Bedford High and did not play in her one year at PC.

"Emma has the best high school pedigree, but she hasn't played for a year," said Purpura. "She's played well."

Aislyn Kelliher (Plymouth, Mass.) has moved up from No. 4 singles to No. 2.

She had an impressive rookie season, going 12-1 and 8-0 in the conference.

"Aislyn continued to impress all year," said Purpura. "She was a strong doubles player at Plymouth North but didn't have much experience playing singles. She put a lot of time and effort into developing her tennis game.

"She has continued to get stronger. She got big win after big win last season."

Morgan Smith (Taunton, Mass.) is at No. 3 singles to start the year. She was 2-0 in singles as a freshman and 9-2 with Kelliher in doubles. Smith and Kelliher return as a doubles team.

"Morgan challenged players in the lineup all season and worked hard over the summer to put herself in position to compete this season,'' said Purpura.

At No. 4 singles is Sarah Pothier (Rochester, Mass.), who played mainly No. 5 singles as a freshman and was 8-3 overall, 6-1 in the conference.

Junior Samantha Bettencourt (Tiverton, R.I.) was 9-3 and 6-1 in the Little East a year ago, mainly at No. 6 singles. She has moved up one spot this season.

The No. 6 singles spot will be between sophomore Ava Alves (Taunton, Mass.) and junior Fiona Clancy (Middleboro, Mass.). Rounding out the roster are senior Hannah Higgins (Rockland, Mass.) and sophomore Grace Binegar (Norton, Mass.).

"We have seven players who have been going neck-and-neck," said Purpura. "We had a really good freshman class last year and had Sarah, Aislyn and Morgan contribute right away.

"We have six sophomores who are all strong athletes and will be battling each other for three years."

BSU is picked to finish fourth in the Little East preseason coaches poll.

"We're young, but a scrappy team," said Purpura. "The one good thing about tennis is if you're scrappy and in the match, things can change in a heartbeat.

"One through nine, we're all very athletic. It's one of the most athletic teams we've had in a long time. They'll be pushing each other. I'm confident this lineup won't be the same lineup that holds all fall.

Higgins will be a captain for BSU.

"We're looking for her to be the glue to hold it all together," said Purpura of his lone senior. "She's done all the intangible things over four years in an unsung hero, leadership role."