Full Centennial Conference Release

HAVERFORD, Pa. - Haverford College senior Abbey Russano picked up her second Centennial Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week award of the 2024 dual match season on Tuesday, the conference office announced in its weekly awards release. Russano, from Bridgewater, N.J, went 2-0 in both singles and doubles to help the Fords to key Centennial wins over Swarthmore and Franklin & Marshall last week.

In Wednesday's 6-3 upset win for the 33rd-ranked Fords over the 27th-ranked Garnet, Russano and doubles partner Ellie Esterowitz defeated Lola Diaz and Erica Stutz 8-3, before claiming a 6-1, 6-3 win over Diaz at No. 1 singles. In Saturday's 8-1 win over F&M, Russano and Esterowitz teamed up for an 8-2 win at No. 1 doubles against Mackenzie Sherman and Sophia Rhazali before posting a 6-2, 6-0 win at No. 1 singles vs. Jenna Harrison.

This is the third career weekly honor for Russano, who earned qualification to the NCAA Singles Tournament after her sophomore season in 2022. Russano, a two-time All-Conference pick for singles and a doubles selection last season, also earned the award on March 19 after a stellar showing on the squad's spring break trip to Central Florida, going 4-1 in singles and 5-0 in doubles. 

After the upset victory over Swarthmore, Haverford now holds the inside track for the second seed, semifinal hosting privileges, and a first-round bye in the Centennial Conference tournament. Russano and the Fords have two matches left to solidify that standing, heading to Washington College this afternoon for a 4 p.m. first serve with the Shorewomen in Chestertown.