TOWSON, Md. --- Moravian University senior Mara Stapleton, sophomore Izzy Szmodis and freshmen Ali Bender and Leah Zolotareva have been selected to the 2024 Landmark Women’s Tennis All-Conference Teams.
The quartet led the Hounds to 15-5 overall record and a 7-2 mark in the Landmark Conference regular season that earned the Blue & Grey the second seed in the Landmark Conference Tournament. Moravian defeated third seed The University of Scranton in the Semifinals to advance to the championship contest for the five straight tournament before falling to top seed Drew University to finish out the year.
Szmodis made the First Team in singles and Second Team doubles after being on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team in doubles in 2023. Szmodis had an 11-5 mark in singles action while playing in the second spot in the Moravian line-up, and she is 24-12 in singles action through the first two seasons of her career.
“Izzy had a fantastic season,” commented Director of Tennis Mariana Freitas. “She truly elevated her game from last year, and it has been so much fun to watch her compete this season. This is a well-deserved recognition and a testament to her dedication and undeniable talent.”
Szmodis and Stapleton were selected to the All-Conference Second Team, and the pair combined for a 15-5 mark this season. The duo was 11-1 in the second doubles position and 4-4 while playing in the top spot in the line-up.
“Izzy and Mara had an outstanding season in their first year playing together,” stated Freitas. “They played strong doubles and only had two losses in conference play. They secured the doubles point for our team throughout nearly the entire season, which gave our team more confidence going into singles play.”
Zolotareva made the All-Conference First Team in singles after jumping into the Moravian lineup in the top spot in her debut campaign. Zolotareva responded with an 11-7 mark at first singles.
“Leah made quite the impression in her freshman debut season, securing 11 wins in singles matches and 13 in doubles,” Freitas explained. “She plays the toughest competitors in our conference at number one position, which is certainly a lot of pressure for a freshman. She has developed a little more patience on the court, which will be beneficial as she heads into the next season.”
Bender earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference Second Team in singles this year where she was 12-2 before an injury sidelined her for the final two weeks of the regular season and the postseason.
“I am thrilled that Ali was recognized by the conference for her singles performance, especially after suffering a season-ending injury,” Freitas said. “She has a fire for the game, and even after her injury, she did not miss a beat in providing unmatched support for her teammates, our program and our sport.”
Zolotareva and Bender earned a spot on the Landmark All-Conference Honorable Mention squad after a 9-3 season at first doubles.
“Leah and Ali debuted at the top of our line up as our freshmen duo,” noted Freitas. “In doubles, it always takes time for players to adjust to each other, but they were able to consistently compete and always gave their all for the team.”
To view the full 2024 Landmark Women’s Tennis All-Conference Teams, visit https://landmarkconference.
