Tennis Earns ITA Regional Recognition
Jun 11 | Women's Tennis
PISCATAWAY, N.J. āĀ The RutgersĀ Tennis team picked up several ITA RegionalĀ rankings and awards to end the 2026 spring season.Ā Ā
The Scarlet Knights were selected as the No. 5 team in the Northeast Region after a strong spring, ending with eight wins.Ā The squad wonĀ sixĀ of its firstĀ eightĀ matches of the campaign,Ā including sweeps over Seton Hall, Army and Monmouth.Ā Ā
RU also swept Cornell later in the slate, the first home Ivy League win for the team since 2020.Ā Ā
Mai Nguyen and Zuzanna FrankowskaĀ were dominant in doubles action together, securing the top rank in the Northeast Region.Ā The pair went 10-6 in dual play together,Ā playing exclusively in the top position.Ā TheyĀ startedĀ 2026 with four consecutive doublesĀ winĀ before ending the slate with two victories against Illinois and Northwestern.Ā
The duo defeated Yale's No. 11. doubles pair, 6-0,Ā to highlight their campaign together.Ā They were also ranked three separate times in the National ITA rankings, peaking at No. 62.Ā
Nguyen earned the solo ranking of No. 12 for her solid singlesĀ performance. She went 4-10 on the top court,Ā playingĀ the best players not on in the region but nationally and across the Big Ten.Ā She fought for solid wins against Delaware, Yale,Ā MinnesotaĀ and Indiana in addition to several of her other matches going unfinished.Ā Ā
In addition to the ITA recognition, Nguyen was also recognized with theĀ RutgersĀ Most Valuable Player Award.Ā Ā
"Mai was incredibly successful this year at the #1 doubles position," head coach Hilary Ritchie said. "She played high in our line up the entire year and fought throughout the season."Ā
FrankowskaĀ ended the season rankedĀ No. 17Ā in addition to being named the ITA Northeast RegionĀ Player of Watch. She ended the springĀ with a 7-5 markĀ andĀ started the slateĀ with three dominant straight-set victories in addition to big wins against Cornell and Northwestern.Ā Frankowska played primary on the secondĀ court butĀ picked up a win at her loneĀ appearance at theĀ top spot against Monmouth.Ā Ā
Frankowska also earned the Scarlet KnightĀ Grit AwardĀ which is given to theĀ student-athleteĀ who consistently broughtĀ a high levelĀ of tenacity and workĀ ethicĀ to training sessions and competitions.Ā
"Zuza battled through injuries and challenging situations this year on court," said Ritchie. "Her willingness to battle and toughness in matches lead to several team victories."Ā
Stella Schmitz madeĀ a big impactĀ in herĀ freshmanĀ season to earn her the Scarlet and Black Award which is given to the student-athlete who continually brings an uplifting spirit to her teammates andĀ representsĀ RUĀ with pride.Ā
"Stella is a selfless teammate who consistently bringsĀ her energy to elevate the team," Ritchie said.Ā
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