Blog Series Story #4

The TCNJ Lions Want a National Spotlight

By: Mark Barroso

EWING—The College of New Jersey women’s tennis team looks to gain national credibility in the spring. The Lions say persistent training and motivation will guide them to the top.

The TCNJ Lions are currently ranked #17 in the pre-season ITA Division III women’s tennis rankings (last updated on November 3^rd, 2010).

The Lions have a 136-game winning streak against New Jersey Athletic Conference competitors and have won 28 consecutive NJAC Championships.

The perfect play of the Lions in the NJAC is practice for the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Lions have their own opinions about winning a national championship.

“If the team works hard like they do with no injuries, we could make a good run at it, said 11^th year head coach Scott Dicheck. “We fell a little short last spring; you just have to have a little bit of luck on your side.”

“I look forward to spring season because it is more competitive,” said junior captain Felice Trinh.

Trinh earned NCAA All-America honors as a sophomore in 2009 while finishing second at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Small College Championship. Trinh, along with superstar alumnus Jackie Shtemberg, went undefeated to win the 2009 ITA Northeastern Regional Championship. Trinh was also named NJAC Rookie of the Year in the fall of 2009.

Trinh and co-captain/classmate, Emily Petersack, have NCAA tournament experience.

They both reached the second round of the 2009 NCAA Division III national tournament, with Trinh in singles and Petersack in doubles. In the spring of 2010, Trinh reached the third round of the tournament in singles. Petersack won in the third round, but the team was eliminated and didn’t reach the quarterfinals.

Shtemberg’s graduation had an effect on her current housemate, Trinh.

“At first, we were definitely sad and upset about it. She has left us with so much ability to be motivated,” said Trinh. “She comes out whenever she can.”

The Lions want another taste at NCAA greatness, this time without Shtemberg.

“We have a strong team,” said sophomore All-American Allison Tierney. “If everyone is healthy and playing their best, I think we have a shot at it (national championship).”

Tierney and classmate Karisse Bendijo earned All-America honors for placing third in the 2010 USTA/ITA Small College Championships in Alabama. Bendijo also earned 2010 All-America honors in singles.

To win a national championship, the Lions will have to input maximum effort, which includes a playlist of songs.

“Felice and I have a warm-up mix to play before matches and get everyone pumped up,” said Petersack.

 “I’m really expecting us to do well, said Felice Trinh. “I am hoping for a successful season.”

The only three schools to win Division III National Championships since 2001 are Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Williams College Ephs have been champions since 2008.

Since the Lions are such a young team, the freshmen will have to step it up in the spring if they are seriously considering making Division III “noise.” After spring play, recruiting becomes a main goal. Dicheck makes sure recruits are treated properly.

“Our team members do tours,” said Trinh. “Coach has asked the girls to give them (recruits) tours. We get to meet so many new people.”

As for preseason training, it is most difficult in the spring. The balancing of practice and academics becomes challenging.

The Lions must “go to the gym and keep practicing” to win a national championship, said Petersack. “Our team is so close and so motivated together. We have the same goals for every match and I think we all want to get to nationals and have a successful season.”

 “We definitely work the hardest during the spring preseason,” said Trinh. “As the season goes on, we all motivate each other to go to the gym and go hit. We do what works best for everyone’s class schedules.”

Contact: barroso2@tcnj.edu

Blog Series Story #3

Youth Prevails on TCNJ’s Women’s Tennis Team

By: Mark Barroso

EWING—The College of New Jersey women’s tennis team has been successful due to a determined young core and improved training regimen.

There are currently two juniors, five sophomores, three freshmen and no seniors on the team. Many athletes see the elders on their team as role-models. On the Lions squad, the juniors set the precedent while the underclassmen take notes.

This young team has contributed to a 136-game winning streak in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, and 28 consecutive NJAC championships.

“The biggest thing we do is recruiting,” said 11^th year head coach Scott Dicheck. “Every recruit comes in and we tell them the success we have had here. We tell them that they can play year round.”

“Coach is recruiting players all year,” said sophomore Allison Tierney. “My freshman year he brought in four starters.”

Two Lions have been recognized nationally for their athletic abilities.

Tierney and classmate Karisse Bendijo earned All-America honors for placing third in the 2010 United States Tennis Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Small College Championships in Alabama. Bendijo also earned 2010 All-America honors in singles.

Half of the team has been awarded with NJAC honors.

Bendijo was named the 2010 NJAC women’s tennis player of the year. Bendijo was NJAC player of the week four times in 2010, and once in 2009. Tierney was NJAC player of the week once in 2010.

Bendijo also touts two NJAC rookie of the week awards in 2009 while classmate Lauren Balsamo was named rookie of the week once in the same year.

Bendijo, Tierney, fellow sophomore Paige Aeillo, and junior captain Emily Petersack were named 1^st Team All-NJAC in singles for the 2010 season. Balsamo and Aeillo along with Tierney and Bendijo earned 1^st Team All League honors in doubles.

The duo of Tierney and Bendijo earned 1^st Team All NJAC Honors as freshmen.

As for the current freshman class, Petersack spoke via phone interview about freshman standout Tara Criscuolo, who earned the title of NJAC rookie of the week once in 2010 and finished the season with 13 combined wins.

“Tara is the most crucial freshman and she works really hard,” said Petersack. “After playing for hours at regionals in New York, she was in the hotel gym working out. She doesn’t give up.”

Petersack has over 50 combined wins. In the fall of 2008, Petersack competed in the ITA regional championship. She reached the quarterfinals of the ITA regionals with classmate Felice Trinh in 2010 and Balsamo in 2009. She also won in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the spring of 2009.

The NJAC-dominant Lions look to improve their abilities as soon as possible in order to improve their national credentials. According to the Lions, the workouts will continue.

However, improving players’ performances can be difficult, especially throughout the course of a year. There are many issues to deal with during a college year such as housing, academics, and social lives.

“There are a lot of distractions, so we want players that will show passion and commitment,” said Dicheck. “They learn from the upperclassmen.”

Athletes show passion and commitment through their play. The increase in difficulty of the 2010 preseason training regimen in comparison to the 2009 and 2008 programs is a big factor for improvement. Another factor, which is common in college sports, is the establishment of players’ organized practices.

 “Preseason this year was harder than last year. There were more double sessions, running, and track workouts,” said Tierney. “There is no mandatory practice from October to January, but there still are practices that the players organize.”

Petersack described the change in routine.

“My freshman year we just ran the loop (1.74 mile road that encircles TCNJ’s campus) a few times,” said Petersack. “The past two years we had a specific training program given to us by a trainer from the Pennington/Ewing Athletics Club. We will get workout sheets before we go on Christmas break.”

Blog Series Story #2

The TCNJ Lions Follow Shtemberg’s Footsteps.

By: Mark Barroso

EWING— The members of the College of New Jersey women’s tennis team had big tennis shoes to fill after senior Jackie Shtemberg graduated in the spring of 2010.

Shtemberg, a four-time All American, was a dominant force in Division III women’s tennis.

She was the leader of the Lions both on and off the court.

“She really became a leader senior year,” said head coach Scott Dicheck, who is in his 11^th year of service. “She was a big part of making the transition for the younger players.”

The transition from a high school tennis athlete to a college player on a team that has a 136-game New Jersey Athletic Conference winning streak can be difficult.

“It was really good playing with her. She is a great role model on and off the court,” said sophomore Lauren Balsamo.

Shtemberg too was once a freshman, learning the path to success. Shtemberg started winning early, earning her first All-America honors in doubles for placing sixth in the 2006 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) national doubles championships in Fort Myers, Florida.

She also won the 2006 ITA northeast singles championship which earned her All-America honors in singles competition.

To cap off her phenomenal freshman year, Shtemberg was named both the NJAC women’s tennis player and rookie of the year for the 2006 season. She was also a five-time NJAC rookie of the week selection.

In 2007, Shtemberg made TCNJ athletic history after she became the first female student-athlete from TCNJ to win the ITA National Championship.

Her other 2007 accolades include being named 2007 ITA northeast rookie of the year, competing in the second round of the NCAA singles championships, becoming ITA northeast singles champion again, and being named the 2007 NJAC women’s tennis player of the year.

Shtemberg entered the spring of 2008 ranked first regionally in singles. In April, she broke her finger.

This injury would prevent her from competing in the 2008 NCAA championships. She decided to study abroad in the fall.

Next, came her senior year and her last chance to win a national Division III tournament.

“I have always looked forward to this tournament and to me winning it would be the biggest accomplishment of my career,” said Shtemberg. “This tournament is challenging enough as it is with just singles, I've never competed in such a big tournament in both singles and doubles at this level of competition.”

Shtemberg and sophomore Felice Trinh won the doubles title at the 2009 ITA northeast regional. The pair put up numbers that wound up being one of the best doubles finishes in program history.

Shtemberg advanced to the final four competitors of the 2009 NCAA singles championship. In doubles, she along with Trinh, were eliminated at the start of the tournament.

The awards Shtemberg received as a senior were All-NJAC first team in singles and doubles and 2009 NJAC player of the year.

Shtemberg finished her career third all-time in singles career wins with 92. She finished second in doubles career wins with 81. She finished second in doubles teammate career wins with 45. She is third on the all-time list for combined single and doubles career wins with 173.

Shtemberg’s exceptional displays of athletic ability and character have rubbed off on the younger Lions.

“Our sophomore class had a tremendous freshmen year,” said Dicheck. “They had as good of a first year of any class that I have seen.” 

With no seniors on the team, the youth have learned from Shtemberg and applied her teachings on the court.

 “She was a big leader on our team. She always motivated us,” said sophomore Allison Tierney, who also earned All-America honors as a freshman.

The Lions haven’t had much trouble following in her footsteps. They made it 28 straight NJAC championships this past fall and had several young players earn All-NJAC honors.

“What happened was, we still were successful without her,” said Dicheck. “We have been going in the right direction from day one.”

Blog Series Story #1

TCNJ Women’s Tennis is Flawless in the NJAC.

By: Mark Barroso

EWING—The College of New Jersey women’s tennis team has done one single thing in every league match that they have played: win.

The Lions have won 28 consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference women’s tennis championships, and do not plan on stopping there.

Head coach Scott Dicheck’s expectations for the spring are “to make it back into the NCAA Tournament and back into the top 10 nationally. We’re always going to have a shot at it.”

The Lions have won 136 straight league matches, which is 28 seasons in 29 years, under three different head coaches.

Dicheck, who is in his 11^th year of service, leads a team that is currently 54-0 in league play.

“It’s obviously one of our goals to continue the streak (regular season),” said Dicheck. “There are no off-weeks or easy weeks, just getting better.”

Winning has become a necessary custom of the TCNJ women’s tennis program.

Brenda Cambell started as the Lions’ head coach when women’s tennis was introduced as a Conference sport in the fall of 1982. She compiled a record of 68-0 in NJAC play and retired in 1995.

From 1995-2000, Tricia Udicious was head coach and led the Lions to a 14-0 record.

Dicheck was named NJAC Coach of the Year in 2010, 2009 and 2006. In 2007, he was a co-NJAC Coach of the Year in 2007 and USTA New Jersey Coach of the Year.

Dicheck has coached 15 combined National Collegiate Athletic Association and Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Americans and one ITA National Champion: Jackie Shtemberg.

Cambell and the people who helped establish women’s tennis in 1982 have seen the program surpass its conference in athletic ability.

A rebuttal to the success of the TCNJ women’s tennis program is the notion that the NJAC is not good enough for them. No other NJAC team has dominated women’s tennis like TCNJ.

“There is really no competition in the NJAC,” said sophomore Lauren Balsamo. “We play strong, non-NJAC teams in the spring.”

The Lions admit to the fact that their regular season wins have come in a so called “not that good” conference.

“The other teams in the NJAC are not that good,” said sophomore Allison Tierney. “I would like to play in a conference where the teams are better.”

 The current TCNJ roster consists of three freshmen, five sophomores, two juniors, and no seniors.

“Last year’s team and this year’s team are the two strongest teams I have seen in my 11 years here,” said Dicheck.

The 2010 team went 60-11 in singles competition and 33-4 in doubles competition. The Lions won every league match this season 9-0.

The team leader in singles competition was 2010 NJAC Player of the Year Karisse Bendijo with a record of 14-2. The team leaders in doubles competition were Bendijo and Tierney with a record of 14-1.

The All-NJAC honors that many TCNJ have repeatedly received don’t mean too much if the players excelled in a conference they were supposed to do extremely well in anyway.

 “The NJAC consists of five matches that aren’t a main part of our season,” said Dicheck. “It matters what you do in the NCAA Tournament.”

Since the Lions have held such a high standard in the NJAC, they repeatedly get predicted as number one in the conference.

There are two lengthy streaks on the line literally every time the Lions step on the court against NJAC competition.

“We don’t feel any extra pressure,” said Dicheck of keeping the 136-match streak alive. “It helps we play early, but regionals and nationals have added more pressure to us in the past.”

Dicheck has proven to be a successful coach on a team that is definitely not used to losing. It simply has not been an option.

Contact: barroso2@tcnj.edu

Soccer Packet: Sidebar

TCNJ leads the NJAC after a Win against Recovering Rowan.

By: Mark Barroso

EWING--The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team earned a first round bye in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Tournament after defeating Rowan University 2-0 Tuesday night at Lions Stadium in a game that was altered by the injury of Rowan’s best player.

The star player is Profs forward Jess Babice, the third leading scorer in all of Division III.

The injury of Babice “allowed us to bring Brittany out of the back,” Russo said. “Lauren Giles got to play up front (from defender to forward)”.

After a collision less than four minutes into the game, Babice had to be carted off the field.

She was later seen walking with crutches to enter a white SUV. Rowan University hasn’t released an official diagnosis.   

Rowan came into the game ranked 19th in the NJAC while TCNJ came into the game ranked 22^nd.

The Lions left the game with the first place spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and a bye in the first round of the Tournament.

Senior defender McGinley went from defender to forward, where she scored the only two goals of the game.

Babice finished her regular season career leading the Profs with 20 goals this season. That is double the number of goals that TCNJ’s top scorer forward Brenna Rubino had this season.

With an extended rest period, the Lions’ training program will not change.

 “Practices are the same practices. They are the same every day,” midfielder Michelle Canning said, when asked about the comparison of regular and bye-week practices.

The bye “doesn’t affect practices throughout the week,” said Russo. “We will continue to do the same stuff.”

Russo is doing something right. The Lions have only allowed four goals the entire season, which is an attribution to their stellar defense.

The Profs ended the season with 10 shutouts in 17 games, but have haven’t had any in the past four games. Rowan secured the third seed in the NJAC Tournament with Tuesday’s loss.

The Lions can’t get too excited. It is a totally different game if Babice was healthy enough to play the whole game, due to her ability to create offense.

The women’s soccer team looks to improve their game through practice.

 “We realized how important it was to try and get better each practice,” said McGinley. “You have to practice like it’s a game.”

Contact Mark Barroso at barroso2@tcnj.edu

Soccer Packet: Game Story

TCNJ Women’s Soccer Claims the Top Spot in the NJAC.

By: Mark Barroso

EWING-- The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team exited the locker room yelling in anticipation of their game against New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Rowan University under the lights at Lions Stadium Tuesday night.

The women’s soccer team got hyped up as they ran onto the field with some cheers from the Lions football team who were just coming off of it after their practice.

The Lions emphatically claimed first place in the NJAC with their 2-0 win over their rivals, Profs.

The win gives TCNJ an automatic first round bye in the 2010 NJAC Championship Tournament.

“It’s awesome. We always have a bye,” said forward Jessica Davilla of earning the pass. “At least that is what coach Russo tells us.”

The first round bye is “well deserved” said head coach Joe Russo.

“They played with a lot of energy. It was a good result for us.” Russo secured his 371^st win and completed his 21^st regular season as Lions’ head coach.

Senior defender Brittany McGinley was the lone scorer of the game. Her first goal was a shot from 25 yards out that found the upper-right corner of the net 28:43 into the game. Her second goal came with 16:41 left in the game.

“It’s huge,” said McGinley of her accomplishment of scoring two goals. “We played really well. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity if it weren’t for my teammates.”

There were two main factors which attributed to the loss for Rowan: The injury of their best player, and the lack of an offense that could score on synthetic turf.

A collision 3:18 into the game with a TCNJ player, caused forward Jess Babice to leave the game with what was believed to be an ankle injury.

The Profs are not used to playing without Babice, since she is one of three leaving seniors. The team that was out on the field Tuesday is basically the team the Profs will playing with next season.

With Babice out, TCNJ made a position change.

“When she (Babice) was gone,” said Davilla. “Brittany went to forward and scored two goals.”

TCNJ had 28 total shots in the game, while Rowan had six. Kendra Griffith recorded two saves and her 10^th shutout. Deana Wood made five saves for the Profs.

Both of these teams won their previous games of this season. Rowan defeated Kean University last week 4-3 in double overtime. TCNJ defeated New Jersey City University 4-0, by scoring three goals in the second half.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, McGinley, who is a junior athletically due to a medical redshirt earlier in her career, along with seniors Brianna Brennan, Casey Caruso, Julianne Delorenzo, and Jackie Levowsky were honored as it was “Senior Day” for the Lions.

Rowan head coach Scott Leacott could only wish all of the Profs’ seniors a good night. If the injury to Babice is severe, then the Profs head into the NJAC Tournament without the player who can score the most.

The final pairings for the 2010 NJAC Tournament will be determined after the last of the conference games on Wednesday, October 27^th. Behind the Lions in the NJAC is second place William Paterson and Rowan in third place.

“It’s win or go home.” Russo said. “There’s some urgency to the whole situation.”

Contact Mark Barroso at barroso2@tcnj.edu

Soccer Packet: Game Advance

T.C.N.J. Women’s Soccer is Going for the Perfect 10

 By: Mark Barroso

--Ewing, New Jersey

The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team (9-0) is ready to achieve double digit perfection as it hosts New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent Rutgers-Camden (1-5-2), under the lights at Lions Stadium on Wednesday, September 29^th at 7:30 p.m.

“Kean told us not to underestimate Rutgers, they tied them”, said inactive defender Lauren Giles (ankle sprain).

Indeed, last week’s game against Kean University (6-1-2 overall) proved a lot to the Lions.

“This game has many implications on many fronts.” said Lions head coach Joe Russo, in his 21^st season as the Lions’ head coach.

Russo’s implications included a possible tie, or even an upset victory by the Scarlet Raptors.

Last year, The Lions defeated the Scarlet Raptors 2-0, Also, the Raptors are under the tutelage of a brand new head coach in Kris Anderson.

The contribution from the youth of the Lions squad has definitely given them motivation going into Wednesday.

 Freshman goalkeeper Kendra Griffith is the NJAC’s current Defensive Player of the Week, and was Rookie of the Week last week. Griffith currently leads the NJAC in both goals against average (0.12) and save percentage (.947).

“Everyone is really supportive. We just try to knock their confidence down,” Griffith said.

Her freshman friend, midfielder Sloan DePiero is now NJAC Rookie of the Week and has scored two goals so far during the 2010 season.

“We don't take anyone for granted. Playing midfield was hard because they (Rutgers-Camden) played with five in the middle,” DePiero said.

As for the Scarlet Raptors, a win against the Lions would give them a huge morale boost and establish as them a credible NJAC contender. Rutgers-Camden last won on September 11^th, when they hosted the still winless team of Cedar Crest College.

Forward Samantha Sharp leads the Raptors with 7 goals this year. Senior captain and defender Kathleen Malony has three varsity letters.

T.C.N.J.’s leading scorers are both sophomores as forward Jessica Davila and defender Brenna Rubino each have tallied five goals.

Rutgers-Camden is “not a big rival” for TCNJ according to freshman forward Katie Lindacher.

Nonetheless, Russo said, “It is another big game for us. Everyone is a threat to our 9-0 record.”

The showdown at Lions Stadium can result in the 10^th straight win for the infallible Lions, or can be the necessary stepping stone for the improving Scarlet Raptors.

Soccer Packet: Feature Story

Team Chemistry of T.C.N.J Women’s Soccer is a Formula for Success

By: Mark Barroso

--Ewing, New Jersey

The College of New Jersey’s Women’s Soccer team definitely receives a grade of A for effort this season. After starting the season 9-0 with eight shutouts, the training regimen for the Lions has proven to be successful.

The undefeated Lions are fairly young, with a roster sporting four seniors, six juniors, twelve sophomores, and four freshmen. The team chemistry these athletes display is a main factor in determining their success.

What many people don’t know about the College’s soccer players is that they actually start perfecting their craft during the offseason, in an entirely different league.

Head Coach Joe Russo, who is embarking on his 21^st season as head coach of women’s soccer, is also the head coach of the Olympic Development Program (ODP), which is a New Jersey based all-star league.

According to njsocceryouth.com, the ODP is a “national program as set forth by the 1978 Amateur Sports Act used to identify players for the state, regional and national teams.”  

The games of this league are played at TCNJ during both the spring and summer. There are four tryouts to make the state team. Coach Russo said, “It’s an absolutely brilliant idea. Each year there is a different age group.”

All four of the freshmen on TCNJ’s team were part of the ODP this past summer and the statistics show for it.

Freshman defender Lauren Giles, who is currently inactive due to an ankle sprain, played on the same club team in Washington Township as freshman goalkeeper Kendra Griffith.

Griffith has recorded an impressive 18 saves and counting for the Lions.

“We had all been together,” she said of playing on the ODP team before coming to T.C.N.J. A freshman goalie recording eight shutouts in nine games is a noteworthy achievement.

Freshman midfielder Sloan DePiero has scored two goals so far during the 2010 season, and played in Russia as part of the International Team of the ODP.

“That’s how coach recruited us” said DePiero, when talking about playing in the ODP league.

In addition to the four freshmen, other players have known each other before college as well. Defenders Nikki Migliori and Allison Foy are both from Hamilton, attended Seinert High School and played together as Spartans.

There is also a human aspect to the development of athletic ability. On the TCNJ practice field of TCNJ, a portion of practice called “fitness” is the main conditioning routine. It consists of anywhere from 3-10 120 yard sprints, depending on the practice.

“It looks like Jess is going to puke,” said the injured Giles as she saw her sweaty teammate hunched over during this period of practice.

Fortunately, all players were able to end this practice with their lunch in her stomachs and not on the turf.

There are currently three injured players on the roster. Six players have previously had knee injuries but have recovered due to surgery or physical therapy. Also, two freshman quit the team early, because “it was too hard for them,” said Giles.

All of this training instills a work ethic early in the college careers of these athletes. Sophomore forward Jessica Davila, and sophomore defender Brenna Rubino both lead the team with five goals, respectively.

Through the ODP, players get to establish the components of team chemistry and leadership necessary to make big plays during the season.

Russo also mentioned the importance of TCNJ being the host of this stellar program. He mentioned players not only from TCNJ but from other schools and states “get a chance to see our campus.”

The Lions have developed into one cohesive unit, and Russo has shown the key to success is through team chemistry.

Contact: Mark Barroso at barroso2@tcnj.edu

TCNJ Women's Tennis

My Blog topic will be the TCNJ Women's Tennis team. I am not very adept at covering tennis and I don't even know all of the rules of the sport. By covering the College's tennis team, I hope to learn more about the sport and be able to cover it on an international level. I will interview tennis players and keep up on scores and standings.