The Pitt-Greensburg women's tennis team enters the 2026 season with something every program values: experience, continuity and unfinished business. 

After not graduating a single senior from last year's squad, the Bobcats return their entire roster while adding three freshmen to the mix. With reigning Co-AMCC Player of the Year Gabi Moder and All-AMCC selection Karen Rabe among the returners, Head Coach Deven Summers believes his team has the talent, experience and competitive mindset to make some noise in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference this fall. 

The Bobcats will get their first opportunity to show it Saturday when they open the season against AMCC opponent Mount Aloysius. 

A Head Start on the Fall 

Pitt-Greensburg made a change to its preseason preparation this year with the introduction of a camp week, giving the Bobcats additional time together before competition begins. 

For Summers, that added preparation has his team entering opening weekend in a strong position. 

"With the introduction of a camp week this season, we will be as prepared to launch our season with success as we ever have been before," Summers said. 

While time on the court is important, the preseason has been about more than forehands, serves and volleys. Summers placed a particular focus on accountability and time management as the players prepare to balance the demands of collegiate tennis with their work in the classroom. 

"There has been a heavy emphasis on accountability and time management," Summers said. "Many of the athletes on this team are nursing majors, and those that are not still have their schedules full of responsibilities. Finding a balance in managing your time for both class and athletics is always emphasized." 

Familiar Faces, Bigger Expectations 

Continuity could prove to be one of Pitt-Greensburg's greatest advantages this season. 

The Bobcats did not lose a player from last year's roster and supplemented that returning group with three incoming freshmen. That combination has Summers pointing to two qualities in particular when assessing his team's strengths: drive and retention. 

"We have not lost any player from last season's roster and have added three incoming freshmen," Summers said. "Many of the players on the starting roster have been playing tennis for most of their lives and are natural competitors!" 

At the forefront of that experienced group are Moder and Rabe. 

Moder returns after earning Co-AMCC Player of the Year honors last season and provides the Bobcats with a proven presence at the top of the lineup. Rabe is also back after earning All-AMCC honors at No. 2 singles. 

"Gabi is the reigning Co-AMCC Player of the Year last season and she always brings talent and experience to our roster," Summers said. "Karen had All-AMCC honors last season at second singles and will no doubt have a huge impact on our team!" 

A Freshman Ready to Fight 

Although experience is one of the defining characteristics of this year's team, the Bobcats' newcomers will have an opportunity to add another dimension to the lineup. 

Among the three freshmen joining the program, Summers identified Jazzy Cherry as a player capable of making an immediate impression. 

Her defining trait is one that fits perfectly with the identity Summers wants his entire team to embrace. 

"Jazzy Cherry is an incoming freshman to keep an eye on," Summers said. "She fights for every last point and never gives up on a rally!" 

With a veteran roster surrounding the newcomers, Pitt-Greensburg has an opportunity to blend established collegiate experience with fresh competition for spots in the lineup. 

Toughness as an Identity 

Ask Summers what he wants the Bobcats to be known for this season, and his answer can be summed up in one word: toughness. 

"Tennis matches are always battles, and if my athletes are prepared to never give up, the sky's the limit," Summers said. 

That mentality will be tested throughout the season. Individual matches can swing on a handful of points, and Summers wants his players prepared to respond when momentum turns against them. 

His message heading into the opening match has centered on embracing that challenge rather than expecting anything to come easily. 

"Be ready to earn your competitions," Summers said. "Competing in a collegiate sport of any kind is not easy, and nor should it be! Always earn your competitions, whether they are wins or losses. No win is ever easy, and no loss is ever without its learning points!" 

Setting the Bar at a Championship 

With everyone back and another talented group joining the roster, Pitt-Greensburg isn't shying away from setting a high standard for the season. 

Summers believes the Bobcats have an opportunity to compete with the best in the conference — and potentially be the team standing at the top when the season concludes. 

"The goals for this team are definitely high," Summers said. "I believe this team has a real shot at competing for an AMCC championship!" 

Yet Summers' definition of a successful season goes beyond the final standings. Regardless of results, he wants to see a team that consistently gives everything it has on the court, in the classroom and throughout the season. 

"Above all, effort is always one of the most important things," Summers said. "All that I can ask is that all my athletes put forth their best effort in all that they do!" 

The pursuit of those goals begins Saturday against Mount Aloysius. With a complete roster returning, three freshmen joining the fold and a reigning conference Player of the Year leading the way, the Bobcats enter the season with plenty of reasons for optimism. 

Now comes the opportunity to earn it.