The Penn State Altoona women's tennis team embarks on its 2023 season looking to improve on its 5-9 overall record from last year, which included a 3-2 mark in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. The Lions' roster features four returners from last season, and the team also welcomes new head coach Mark Sapita.

Atop the Penn State Altoona singles lineup will be sophomore Mikhaela Merca (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin). Last season, Merca went 9-3 overall in No. 1 singles matches, including going 3-2 against AMCC competition.

"With challenge matches soon to be completed, the lineup will see Mikhaela returning as the top seed," said Sapita. "With a very competitive high school background, she has a solid all-around game. She can bring a big serve and is very solid off the baseline."

Vying for the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the Lions' lineup will be sophomore Rachel Stricek (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) and freshman Caitlin Blessel (Saint Marys, PA/Saint Marys). Stricek primarily played in the No. 2 spot in the order last season, going 6-5 overall in that position. Blessel joins the team after being the member of a three-time district champion tennis team at Saint Marys Area High School.

"Rachel is a returning starter whose experience from last season should help her improve upon her freshman year record. Her greatest asset is the steadiness of her game. While she doesn't possess the powerful serve of Merca, she is consistent on every point," said Sapita. "Caitlin has made an impact already on the team, securing at least the No. 3 seed for the opening weekend. She has shown herself to be a fierce competitor who has the speed and determination to run down balls that would, more often than not, be points for the opponent."

Filling the No. 4 and 5 slots in the singles lineup will be sophomores Isabella Rhoades (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone) and Lauren Stich (Ellwood City, PA/Lincoln). Last season, Rhoades was 6-6 overall in singles play while dividing her appearances among the No. 4, 5, and 6 positions, while Stich went 1-1 in the No. 6 spot.

"Bella and Lauren each bring a year of experience to the No. 4 and 5 seed positions. After a year of collegiate tennis, each player is poised to have success from their positions in the lineup," said Sapita. "They both have the potential to surprise opponents. Each player has a skillset that will allow them to be successful as they develop more consistent shot-making. The experience that each gained in their freshman season should help them elevate their games."

In doubles, the Lions return three of their top four winners from last season. Rhoades tied for the team lead in doubles wins with nine while going 4-0 in the AMCC, earning second-team all-conference honors at No. 3 doubles. Meanwhile, Merca and Stricek teamed up to go 6-6 overall and 3-2 in the AMCC at the No. 1 doubles position.

Penn State Altoona women's tennis opens its season this weekend with a conference match, traveling to face new AMCC opponent Carlow University on Saturday, September 2 at 11 a.m.

As the Lions prepare to start their 2023 season, Sapita hopes that his student-athletes will play to the best of their abilities.

"The expectations are to take advantage of the opportunity to play and compete for every point," he said.