Chargers picked to finish fifth in G-MAC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll

The Hillsdale College women's tennis team heads into a new era this spring under new head coach Liam Fraboulet, looking to continue to compete at a championship level in a Midwest Region and Great Midwest Athletic Conference that continue to grow in strength. 

The Chargers enter the 2023 spring portion of its schedule picked to finish fifth in the G-MAC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll, a reflection of a tough, tightly packed conference at the top of the standings. Defending G-MAC champion Tiffin was picked to repeat, with 2022 runner-up Findlay and G-MAC newcomer Northwood close behind, as well as perennial contender Walsh in fourth.

While Hillsdale was picked to finish in the middle of the pack, the Chargers return an experienced lineup that was close to a breakthrough last year, dropping tight matches that could have easily flipped the other way to the Dragons, Oilers and Cavaliers on the way to a fourth-place finish. If Hillsdale can turn some of those close losses into victories, it could easily outperform its predicted finish.

The Chargers return five of their six main lineup players from last season, including fifth-year senior Sarah Hackman, who was named the 2022 G-MAC Player of the Year and will be one of the top No. 1 singles players in the conference. Also returning is second-team All-G-MAC honoree Melanie Zampardo, a junior, and sophomore Libby McGivern, who both occupy important positions in the singles lineup and are also critical doubles players as well for the Chargers.

Seniors Canela Luna and Ellie Chawner, both multi-year veteran competitors for Hillsdale, return as well to contest singles and doubles for the Chargers, as does another past lineup regular in junior Helana Formentin.

Two freshmen who could have a big impact on the season are also battling for spots in the lineup for Hillsdale -- Megan Hackman, the younger sister of Sarah, and Isabella Spinazze, the younger sister of program alumnus Sophia Spinazze. Both players showed promise in the fall and will look to contribute for the Chargers in 2023.

Hillsdale begins its push for the G-MAC tournament this weekend at home, as the Chargers host a tough Midwest Regional opponent in Davenport at 11 a.m. on Sunday in the Biermann Athletic Center. The Chargers begin the season with at least one home match in each of the first three weekends of February, leading into a long road stretch in March that includes a Spring Break trip to Florida, as well as tough matches against conference title contenders Tiffin and Findlay on the road. You can find the full schedule for the Chargers here. 

2023 G-MAC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll