Boca Raton, Florida - The storied Lynn University women's tennis program is ready to start another championship season as they begin their quest for their seventh national championship in program history. Head coach Mike Perez begins his 33rd season at the helm of the program and he's ready for a full season with his team.

"Last year was a short season, and we did not finish the way we wanted," Perez said. "But this year, we have a great group of young women."

That great group of young women will be led Giorgia Pigato, the 23rd-ranked player in the nation and seventh-ranked player in the South region according to the ITA Collegiate Tennis Division II Women's ranking.

During the fall, the women were able to get a few matches under their belt, and Pigato was particularly successful. At the Division II Men's and Women's South ITA Regional Championships, Pigato won three singles matches including defeating South Region No. 16 Natalie Kohoutkova from Valdosta State. She would ultimately withdraw against regional and national No. 1 Deniz Khazan after falling to her in the first set 6-4.

But Pigato is not the only player returning from last season. The Fighting Knights will also welcome back Karyna Bihel, Barbora Cibakova, Irina Lapustina, Eliska Petrackova, Federica Pezzana, Mahika Rana, and Mayanka Rana. Bihel played both first and second singles last year, while Cibakova played anywhere from four to six. Petrackova and Lapustina each saw meaningful singles matches as well.

In addition to all of the returning talent, the Fighting Knights will also welcome newcomers Jacqueline Wagner and Zofia Podbiol. Wagner was the number two singles player for Azusa Pacific last season, while Podbiol will immediately see herself near the top of the lineup for Lynn this year.

With a full season right around the corner, Perez is ready to get his team out on the court. "This year we're going to have a great chance to develop throughout this season, and hopefully, reach our potential," he said.

The women's tennis team will begin play on Thursday, Feb. 3 with a home match against Florida National at 2 p.m.