Colonial States Athletic Conference

Aston, Pa., - The Gwynedd-Mercy Griffins were selected as the pre-season favorite by the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) coaches in women's tennis.  The Griffins have won back-to-back CSAC championships and will look to three-peat this fall.  The two-time defending conference champions received 7 of 11 first-place votes for a total of 111 points. 

"We are indeed honored to have our peers vote us and will strive to capture a third straight title.  However, after almost 10 years in the league, I realize the landscape of the league has indeed changed," said head coach Jim Holt. "There are several teams that will be competing for the championship and hopefully, this provides for a competitive and exciting atmosphere"

The Griffins return rookie of the year and First Team All-CSAC selection Chelsea Jones.  Joining Jones are fellow 2009 First Team All-CSAC selections Chelsea Donde, Heather Morgan and Jess Scarpello.

Neumann University, last year's conference runner-up, earned second place with 99 points, including one first place vote. Finishing in third Marywood University received 92 points.  Cabrini College received two first place votes for 86 points total and a fourth place finish.

Cedar Crest College (85), Rosemont College (51), Immaculata University (44), College of Notre Dame (43), Keystone College (43), Philadelphia Biblical University (38) and Baptist Bible College (34) rounded out the voting. 

The conference championships will be played at the Westend Racquet Club on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23.