Rutgers Women’s Tennis Gears Up for Busy Weekend Slate, Riding Momentum and Fresh Talent
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers women’s tennis team is stepping into a packed weekend with confidence and momentum on its side. The Scarlet Knights are set for a three-match stretch, starting with a home doubleheader on Friday, Feb.
- They'll host Delaware at noon before heading up the road to face Seton Hall at 6:45 p.m.
The weekend wraps up on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a 5 p.m. matchup against Fordham.
Fans can follow the action live, with streaming and stats available for both home contests and live video coverage also planned for the Seton Hall match.
Building Off a Strong Start
Rutgers is coming off a convincing 5-2 win over NJIT, where the team looked sharp across the board. They secured the doubles point early and never looked back, closing out the match with four straight-set singles wins. Leading the charge were Zuzanna Frankowska, Naomi Karki, Stella Schmitz, and Savannah Cohen - all of whom looked locked in from first serve to match point.
That kind of performance sets the tone heading into a weekend like this, where depth and consistency will be key. With three matches in two days, the Scarlet Knights will need contributions up and down the roster.
Doubles Duo Making Noise
One of the standout storylines early in the season is the rise of the doubles pairing of Mai Nguyen and Zuzanna Frankowska. The duo has already cracked the ITA Doubles Rankings, landing at No. 64 nationally. They’re 2-0 together playing on the top court, and their chemistry is evident - both in their aggressive net play and their ability to close out tight games.
For Rutgers, having a nationally ranked doubles team is more than just a feather in the cap - it’s a tone-setter. When Nguyen and Frankowska take the court, they give the Knights a legitimate edge right out of the gate.
Jumazhanova a Player to Watch
Sophomore Karina Jumazhanova is another player drawing attention. Named a Big Ten Player to Watch earlier this year, she’s looking to build on a solid freshman campaign that saw her go 5-7 in singles, primarily at the No. 3 and No. 4 spots. She was particularly effective at the fourth court, where she posted a 4-1 record.
In doubles, Jumazhanova went 6-9 overall, including a strong 5-2 showing on the third court. With a year of experience now under her belt, she’s poised to take another step forward - and this weekend provides a perfect proving ground.
Fresh Faces Making an Impact
Head coach Hilary Ritchie brought in a trio of newcomers this offseason, and already, they’re making their presence felt.
Freshman Miranda Case, a New Jersey native from Haddonfield, brings a strong doubles pedigree and a family connection to the program - her mother, Kristin, played for Rutgers from 1997 to 2001. Case’s junior resume includes a 2022 L5 Open G16s doubles title and a finalist finish at the 2022 L4 Closed G16s.
Savannah Cohen, from Westfield, N.J., has a decorated high school and junior career. She notched a 40-10 record in two varsity seasons, captured a Union County singles title, and earned All-State honors. She also finished second at a Level 2 USTA national event and entered college ranked No. 47 nationally in the class of 2025 by Tennis Recruiting.
Then there’s Stella Schmitz, a four-time state champion from Kaiserslautern, Germany. With a top-10 national junior ranking in Germany and experience on the ITF circuit, Schmitz brings international experience and a high ceiling. Her father, Frank, was a 10-year ATP pro - tennis clearly runs in the family.
These rookies aren’t just here to develop - they’re already contributing. Both Cohen and Schmitz picked up straight-set wins in the victory over NJIT, signaling they’re ready for the college stage.
Coaching Staff Evolution
There’s been a shift on the sidelines as well. Assistant coach Noah Lilienthal has taken on a larger role this season, working closely with Coach Ritchie to sharpen the team’s strategy and development. The duo is focused not just on wins, but on building a culture of consistency and competitiveness - something that’s starting to show on the court.
Veteran Core Anchors the Squad
While the newcomers are making waves, Rutgers’ foundation remains its experienced returners.
Zuzanna Frankowska is back after a 16-13 singles campaign last season, including a 6-10 mark in fall play at the No. 2 spot. Her steady presence and leadership are crucial, especially in tight matches.
Zeynep Ilker also returns after going 13-8 in singles last spring, with wins spread across the lower courts. Her ability to grind out matches and deliver in key moments gives Rutgers valuable depth.
Karina Jumazhanova, as mentioned, continues to develop as a key contributor in both singles and doubles.
Naomi Karki, who posted a 16-14 doubles record last season (10-8 in duals), returns as a reliable doubles option. She’s shown great chemistry with various partners and is a key part of Rutgers’ doubles strategy.
Mai Nguyen, now a senior, ended her junior year with a 15-13 doubles record and also went 10-8 in duals. With her experience and poise, she’s a stabilizing force on the court and a leader off it.
Looking Ahead
This weekend will test Rutgers’ stamina, depth, and focus - three matches in two days is no small task. But with a mix of emerging talent, veteran leadership, and a top-70 doubles team leading the charge, the Scarlet Knights are in a strong position to keep building momentum.
If the NJIT match was any indication, this team isn’t just competing - it’s evolving. And as the season picks up steam, Rutgers tennis is a squad worth keeping an eye on.