"We have a plethora of experience returning this year. Anais Geslin, Emily Sim, Abbie-Jade Riley, Juliette Sirgant, and Shea Foster are all returning and are going to be big pieces to our success this year. Abbie is currently ranked in the top tier of the region after an impressive performance this fall. Anais had a season-ending injury a year ago in February that had her sidelined and performing rehab much of last spring and this summer, but she is playing incredibly well and is very gifted on the court. Emily has had injuries through much of last year and this fall, but her past speaks for itself and she is ready to make this her best year yet."

These are some of the positive words Coach Phil Conley gave to us when asked about his returners for the 2020 season. This comes after the team was selected second in the 2020 GMAC Preseason Poll, which was released on Feb. 5th. Hillsdale sits atop the poll with 35 points and five first-place votes, but Tiffin is not too far behind with 30 points and two first-place votes. 

Coach Conley believes the Dragons can come out on top if they focus on improving a few things before the start of the 2020 season. When asked what the Dragons needed to focus on, he said: "I think largely doubles. We have all the pieces here to be the best in our conference in my opinion based on our skillsets. In singles, you have the opportunity to get yourself going seeing as it is the best out of 3 sets. In doubles, it is just one set and with no ad scoring, a few points lost here and there can be tough to overcome."

The coaching staff has done well in recruiting some new players this year that could also help them reach their goals for 2020. "Newcomers Courtney Fyvie and Jacqueline Kamps are certainly going to make a great impact this year. Lots of experience for both of these players and with our team as a whole, and I am excited to see their development."

Coach Conley believes that as long as the team recovers properly and stays healthy, they are sure to come out on top this year. To follow the Dragons and see their full schedule click here.