From Case Western Reserve University Athletics
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has released its final polls for the 2013-14 season, and the Case Western Reserve University women rank 22nd in the nation as well as fourth in the ITA Central Region.
The No. 22 spot in the ITA Top 30 is the highest final ranking in team history and tied for the highest overall ranking for the program (April, 2013).
"This season, we took another important step forward in our development on the national level," said Head Coach Kirsten Gambrell. "We played one of the toughest schedules in the nation with 11 nationally ranked opponents, and each time out, we gained more confidence. We still have a lot of work in front us before we reach our ultimate goal, but this ranking is certainly rewarding – especially for such a young roster."
In Gambrell's first season as head coach, the Spartans (11-10) matched the best University Athletic Association finish (fifth) in program history. Individually, sophomore Surya Khadilkar (Broadview Heights, Ohio/Hawken School) became just the third All-UAA selection for the team since 1994.
Khadilkar was one of eight sophomores on a roster which included no seniors, three juniors and three freshmen.
"Seeing our young women grow throughout the season was awesome," noted Gambrell. "Competing against the caliber of opponent we saw on a regular basis can be a lot for young players. Our women faced the challenge head on, and they know that will be a key building block for them moving forward."
Statistically, Khaldilkar was a team-best 19-6 with most of her matches in the fourth and fifth singles positions. Fellow sophomore Michelle Djohan (Westlake, Ohio/Westlake) was 15-7, mostly at No. 6, while freshman Sarah Berchuck (Dallas, Texas/Baylor School & Suffield Academy) went 16-7, mostly at No. 4 and No. 5.
In doubles, Khadilkar and Berchuck were 13-6 as a pair, including 12-5 at No. 2. Djohan and sophomore Taylor Sweeney (Fort Gratiot, Mich./Port Huron Northern) finished at 12-6 with an 8-5 mark at No. 3. Junior captain Marianne Bonanno (Clayton, Ohio/Northmont) and sophomore Sara Zargham (Torrance, Calif./California Academy of Math and Science) won six matches at first doubles.
In individual rankings, Bonanno earned the No. 17 singles spot in the ITA Central Region. She will enter her senior campaign with a combined 74 wins,
Of the team's 11 nationally ranked opponents in 2013-14, seven ranked in the top 10 and two ranked in the top two.