FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's tennis team prepares for the 2024 Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship Tournament starting Friday, April 12, at Mercer County Tennis Center in West Windsor, N.J. 
 
Following a historic season for the Pioneers, SHU finished the regular season 16-3 and 7-0 in the conference. In the 2023 season, SHU earned its first-ever runner-up recognition.
 
As the first seed, the Pioneers will face the winner of the #8 Binghamton and #9 Merrimack match on Friday at 2:00 p.m.
 
Head coach Mike Guastelle is looking forward to the chance of the program's first-ever NEC title. "As the number one seed, we have another great opportunity to win our first championship. It will be a challenge, but I know we have the talent and mental toughness to get it done." 
 
Leading the charge in singles play this season, Katsiaryna Starastsenka has been a force to reckon with, securing an impressive overall record of 20-3 and a commendable 6-1 NEC record. 
 
Graduate Ciara O'Toole has also been a key contributor to the Pioneers, winning 16 singles and undefeated in conference play, 6-0.
 
Aina Garriga and Flavia Rambaldi have combined for 30 singles wins each and are undefeated in the conference with 7-0 records.
 
In doubles play this season, Starastsenka and Kim Fenton have gone 12-4 overall and 5-2 in NEC play at No.1. Garriga and O'Toole have also been an excellent pair as they have played 4-1 in the conference.