BOSTON – For the first time since 2016, Suffolk women's tennis was rewarded for its academic accolades as the Rams earned the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Team distinction. Additionally, four student-athletes – Ilda Ascic, Barbara Consales, Bianca Prescott, and Kendall Smith – were tabbed ITA Scholar-Athletes by the national organization.  

To qualify as an ITA All-Academic Team, the student-athletes must maintain a cumulative team grade point average of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale, with each eligible player needing to compete in at least one varsity match. Individually, a 3.5 grade point average and varsity letter are required to be an ITA Scholar.  

As a unit, Suffolk posted a 3.56 grade point average over 2019-20. The Rams were one of six GNAC teams to take home the recognition alongside Colby Sawyer, Eastern Nazarene, Johnson & Wales, Regis and Simmons. Across all NCAA divisions, 175 teams took home the feat. For a complete list, click here. 

The four Rams to garner the nod is the most for the blue-and-gold in the history of the award in which Suffolk began earning the honor in 2015-16. The quartet join an elite group of Suffolk student-athletes to be recognized for their successful students and four of 34 students from GNAC schools on the national list comprised of over 1,000 student-athletes across all divisions. For a complete list of honorees, click here.