When the Valparaiso University tennis team opens the fall season on Saturday morning by hosting Holy Cross (Ind.) in a dual match, the group that takes the courts at the Valpo Tennis Complex will be entirely recognizable to supporters of the program.

That’s because the entire team is back from last season, as head coach Bob Modesto’s group will look to build on the program’s highest win total since 2007, a feat achieved during the Spring 2021 slate.

“I really believe our experience is going to be one of our strengths as a team,” Modesto said. “We had great team chemistry last year, and I foresee that happening again this year. I don’t think we’ll see a letdown in work ethic. Everybody is working hard, pumped up and excited to begin the fall schedule.”

Although none of the seven players on the roster are new to college tennis, several will be experiencing fall competition for the first time after last year’s fall docket was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had a team meeting earlier this week, and everybody expressed their excitement for the fall,” Modesto said. “For some of them, this is their first fall competition. Everybody is pumped and excited. The weather forecast for Saturday is good, and we’re looking forward to a good match to begin the season.”  

The Beacons are led by the Czerwonka sisters (Kenosha, Wis. / Saint Joseph Catholic Academy), as older sister Claire is utilizing her extra season of eligibility made available when the 2019-2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic and younger sister Olivia is now a junior. Both have achieved numerous honors and accomplishments during their collegiate tenure, and Claire enters the fall on the verge of the program record for career doubles victories. She has 52 career doubles wins, while Mara Sonkin (2000-2004) holds the program record at 55.

Isabella Schoolcraft (Bargersville, Ind. / Center Grove) joins Claire as the student-athletes competing in their final collegiate season, while Demi Jhaveri (Westlake, Ohio / Westlake) and Amanda Tabanera (Valencia, Calif. / Valencia) join Olivia in the junior class. Sophomores Mia Bertino (Lockport, Ill. / Joliet Catholic) and Allison McConnell (Westland, Mich. / Churchill) will experience fall competition at the college level for the first time.

“We’re looking for big things from Olivia and Claire,” Modesto said. “It’s Claire’s last season. As the season goes on, she’ll recognize and appreciate that her college career is coming to end. Olivia has always had a tremendous work ethic, and we expect good things from her again this season. Amanda is playing really well, so we’re excited to see what she can achieve. Bella is in the same category as Claire; we want them to have the best season of their careers since it is their final year.”

Saturday’s fall dual match will get underway at 9 a.m. at the Valpo Tennis Complex to kick off Popcorn Fest Saturday. The Beacons will continue the fall slate on Sept. 17-19 at the Redbird Invite in Normal, Ill.