For the College of Staten Island Women's Tennis squad in 2013, the more things change, the more they will remain the same.  The squad is returning nearly its entire 2012 starting lineup this season, but not much else by way of numbers as they venture in 2013.  The familiar faces are a highlight, considering the Dolphins posted their finest season under seventh-year head coach Paul Ricciardi, and a trip to the CUNYAC Finals to boot, but the jury will be out on whether CSI can turn the corner and become the regional and national power it aspires to be.

With no shortage of talent at their disposal, CSI returns all four of its 2012 CUNYAC All-Stars this year.  Defending CUNYAC Rookie of the Year Madiha Mulla is a highlight, although the sophomore will need to clear early-season injuries to get back to 100 percent.  Perennial CUNYAC All-Star and senior Ilona Stoyko has been a bedrock near the top of the lineup, and the team is expecting big things from returning ace Sabrina-Bragerton-Nasert, who enjoyed a sensational freshman year.  Jean Baak was a powerhouse at No. 3 a season ago, finishing 11-1 overall in singles including a 6-0 record within CUNYAC competition.  Jacqueline Jamaleddine also returns, having appeared in eight contests a year ago.

"With another year of polish I expect all of our returners to improve on their results,"  said Ricciardi.  "Our practices have been very upbeat and there has been a lot of energy and excitement at what is to come. I think we are ready mentally and physically to have a super season."

One of CSI returners comes with an asterisk.  Sophomore Sophia Varriano was a highly-heralded freshman in 2011, but missed the entire 2012 season due to injury and academic pursuits.  She is now back and is a welcomed addition, hoping to regain the form that made her a top-of-the-lineup candidate a couple of years ago.  Newcomer Michelle Kushnir is CSI's only true freshman recruit, and should obviously see plenty of action considering the roster boasts just seven players.

"Sophia'ss strength at number one doubles and at the top of the lineup will be a nice boost for us," the coach was excited to report.  "Michelle is very skilled and with improved conditioning and match play can really be a nice addition for us.  Collectively, I know we have the mental toughness and with continued strides in doubles we may be able to pull off some upsets and be very good this season."

CSI is small and thin in the depth column, but the coach feels that barring injury, he has a collective group that is dedicated, committed, and ready to contend.

"We came up just short last season, but now that we had a taste of what it takes to be a champion, i am hoping it makes the difference in 2013," he said.

CSI will be tested this season, competing against some of the region's best units in 2013 such as its season opener against William Paterson University on Saturday, September 7, and contests against Ramapo College (9/12), St. Joseph's College-LI (9/17), and Richard Stockton College (9/26), to name a few.  The season culminates in late-October, as CSI will serve as host to the annual CUNYAC Championship Tournament which takes place at the National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.

"I would like this season to show an improvemnt in how we do outside of our conference," Ricciardi noted.  "That will then translate to better play come playoff time.  Hunter (College) has had such a dominating team over the years but our overall goal is always a championship and to hoist the trophy at the end of the year.  Hopefully we will get the chance to see that through in 2013."

CSI will open their season against the Pioneers tomorrow in Wayne, NJ before opening up at home against Farmingdale State College on Wednesday, September 11, at 4:30pm.  All CSI home tennis matches are free to attend and are PG Clue certified for students.