What's new...up in the NORTHEAST

What's famous in the Northeast? Oh yeah, the NESCAC.
...and here are our top 5 preseason rankings from the ITA:
1. Amherst
2. Williams
3. Tufts
4. Middlbury
5. Bowdoin

And oh, Amherst, Williams, Tufts, Midd, Bowdoin...yup, they're all the same conference.

Let's start with Amherst - this a seriously talented team. They may have graduated their 2010 #1 (Berkes), but they replaced her with a freshman from California, Jordan Brewer. Brewer won the 2010 DIII ITA Northeast singles title - and she's defeated Alotta of Williams three times now. Amherst also returns Danzig and the King sisters at the top of their lineup. More importantly, Amherst defeated 2010 National Team Champs in their fall season.  Historically impressive performers in fall, they've displayed the talent to take the DIII title but fallen short recently during the NCAA tournament. They'll be starting up their spring season March 15.

Williams. This team embodies the meaning of team - they're fighters, competitors, positive. They stay together and are well coached. If anyone can defend a title year after year, this team can. They graduated their #1 Grace Baljon as well, but returner Alotta has stepped up well so far. The lineup includes three new players, Kathleen Elkins and Kara Shoemaker at #5 & 6 singles and Lindsay Thygesen at #3 dubs. March 19 marks the beginning of their spring season.

Tufts has Julia Browne, 2010 NCAA National Singles Champion. She'll be a force.
I'll wait to comment on Tufts, Middlebury and Bowdoin - along with other teams in the Northeast - as their seasons get going.