The Penn State Altoona women's tennis team enters its 2022 schedule looking to take a step forward with a young roster.

This fall's edition of the squad is comprised of five newcomers to go along with two players who return from the 2021-22 season. Last year, the Lions went 4-7 overall, including a 3-3 record in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference that allowed the team to qualify for the conference postseason tournament.

Joining Penn State Altoona's roster this season are freshmen Lydia Irvin (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), Mikhaela Merca (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin), Isabella Rhoades (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), Rachel Stricek (Tyrone, PA/Tyrone), and Lydia Um (Hollidaysburg, PA/Hollidaysburg). Fourth-year head coach Megan Stern expects each of her first-year players to contribute right away.

"We have a trio of freshmen from Tyrone. Rachel Stricek will strengthen the top of our lineup, while Lydia Irvin and Isabella Rhoades will provide depth in the bottom half," said Stern. "In addition to them, we have Lydia Um from Hollidaysburg, who will help us in the top half of the lineup. Fellow freshman Mikhaela Merca will make a solid number one for our team and will be extremely competitive in our conference."

The Lions' returners are senior Stephanie Swain (Yadkin County, NC/Forbush) and sophomore Abigail Brinker (Lock Haven, PA/PHAA). Swain was a first team All-AMCC selection last season in No. 3 doubles, where she went 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference, and also posted three wins in the No. 5 singles spot. Brinker was an addition to the team during the spring semester and saw time in one match late in the season.

"Senior returner Stephanie Swain will help us in the middle of our lineup and will be a leader for our newcomers on the team," Stern explained. "I'm excited for sophomore Abigail Brinker to give us some depth in our lineup, as well. She's been working very hard in the offseason, and we're excited to see her hard work pay off."

Penn State Altoona women's tennis starts its 2022 season on the road Sunday, September 11 at 12:00 p.m. against AMCC opponent Pitt-Greensburg. As the season progresses, Stern hopes that her team will work hard to improve.

"I'm looking forward to our team's season," she said. "I'm especially excited to see how our newcomers will grow as players throughout the year."