Rutgers Women's Tennis: Big Ten Home Opener Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights women's tennis team is gearing up for an exciting weekend as they host their first Big Ten matches of the season. They'll face off against Minnesota on Saturday, April 21, followed by a clash with No.
22 Wisconsin on Sunday, April 22. Both matches are set to begin at noon, with live streaming and stats available for fans eager to catch the action.
Recent Success
Rutgers is coming off a strong performance, having shut out Cornell 4-0 in their latest outing. This victory marks their first home win against an Ivy League team since 2020, when they edged out Penn. The Scarlet Knights secured the doubles point and clinched the match with singles victories from Zuzanna Frankowska, Zeynep Ilker, and Savannah Cohen.
Fresh Faces on the Court
The team welcomed three newcomers this season, adding fresh talent and energy. Freshman Miranda Case, from Haddonfield, New Jersey, brings a rich tennis lineage, following in her mother's footsteps as a former Rutgers player.
Savannah Cohen, hailing from Westfield, New Jersey, boasts an impressive high school record and national ranking. Stella Schmitz, from Kaiserslautern, Germany, adds international experience with her top-10 national German ranking and multiple state championships.
Assistant coach Noah Lilienthal has also stepped up, working closely with head coach Hilary Ritchie to set ambitious goals for the team.
Veteran Strength
Rutgers returns a solid core of experienced players. Zuzanna Frankowska, Zeynep Ilker, and Karina Jumazhanova are back, each bringing their competitive edge to the court. Frankowska posted a 16-13 singles record last season, while Ilker and Jumazhanova also delivered strong performances.
Naomi Karki and Mai Nguyen will continue to be pivotal in doubles play, both finishing last season with notable records. Their experience will be crucial as Rutgers navigates the challenging Big Ten schedule.
Looking Ahead
After the home stand, the Scarlet Knights will hit the road to face Ohio State and Penn State, aiming to build on their recent successes. With a blend of new talent and seasoned players, Rutgers is poised for an exciting season in the Big Ten.