MASON INVITATIONAL
Saturday, Sept. 6
George Mason Tennis Courts | Fairfax, Va.

OPENING SERVE: Mount St. Mary's begins the fall schedule on Saturday, Sept. 6, with the Mason Invitational in Fairfax, Va.

THE FORMAT: The Mount plays two matches that will not count toward the team's overall record. In the opening match, the Mount squares off with Division III Christopher Newport at 11:30 a.m. before taking on George Mason at 4 p.m.

THIS YEAR'S TEAM: Three seniors, Taylor D'Agostino, Danielle Nguyen and Jennifer Smith, look to lead the Mount in their final year of collegiate tennis. The Mount graduated its top two singles players from a year ago in Samantha Pinchoff and Liz Rossi, but bring back the No. 1 doubles duo of Smith and younger sister Kelly Smith.

OUTLOOK FOR THE FALL: Saturday's action is the first of four tournaments for the Mount women's tennis team this fall. After playing on the road for all of September, the Mount competes at the Mount Tennis Courts for the Mount St. Mary's Invitational Oct. 3-5 and also hosts three dual matches to conclude the fall portion of the schedule.

COACHING STAFF: First-year assistant coach Samantha Pinchoff joins Phil Hammond's coaching staff this season. Pinchoff played four seasons under Hammond at the Mount, graduating in 2014. Hammond is in his 11th season at the helm for the Mountaineers, having compiled eight seasons with a .500 record or better.

UP NEXT: The Mount competes locally at the Tiger Classic at nearby Towson University Sept. 12-14.