Stuhlmann at the Center of Tennis’ Spring Resurgance

Spring time has been good to Sarah Stuhlmann ‘18, the junior singles and doubles headliner of the Stags women’s tennis team. The powerful righty has been a leader on and off the court for the red and white this season as she has been instrumental to Fairfield’s 4-2 start to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play this spring season.

Before the start of her junior season, it was tough sailing for Stuhlmann and the Stags as the Saint Louis, Mo. native struggled in her first two seasons in Fairfield. Now that success has begun to come her way, she has been selfless in this year’s triumphs.

“Team chemistry this year has been amazing,” Stuhlmann said. “Everyone gets along and we all want the best for each other. Instead of playing for myself, it is a lot more about playing for the team so we can win and succeed this year.”

Although Stuhlmann is just 6-17 in singles, she is 3-2 in MAAC play when playing solo. On the doubles side, Stuhlmann has rebounded with a record of 5-4 alongside Nicole Aragones ‘18. The pair is 2-2 in conference play having won their last match against the Marist Red Foxes.

Stuhlmann credits the team’s progress this year with their laser focus on improvement each and every day on the court.

“For the past two and a half years, we have been working toward this moment,” Stuhlmann said. “We have been working for a season like this one and it means a lot for all of us, even the freshmen. They’ll have lots of motivation heading into their last three years of college.”

But a stellar regular season only further increases expectations for the start of MAAC Championship play in West Windsor, N.J. beginning Saturday, April 29. With one more match remaining before the tournament commences, Stuhlmann echoes sentiments of encouragement like a natural born leader.

“To continue to come up big we need to have a lot of confidence and believe in each other which we do,” added Stuhlmann.

The Stags return to the court this Saturday, April 22 for their last regular season match when they welcome the Siena Saints to the Walsh Athletic Center Courts for a noon start.