Farraj duo, Rutkowski highlight Moraine Valley women’s tennis competitive fall run

Freshmen players made an impact on the Moraine Valley Community College women’s tennis squad with two finishing runners-up at the region tournament to culminate the season.

The season was fleeting as the Cyclones concluded with a 4-4 overall record and went 3-1 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. At the NJCAA Region 4 Championship (Oct. 10-11), the Cyclones finished fifth.

“I think the season went well overall. Of course, it could be better, but the players worked hard at regionals and had fun,” said Head Coach Simona Tomczak, who completed her first season leading the program.

The difference-makers this fall were freshmen Sydney Rutkowski (Lincoln-Way West) at No. 3 singles, Marietta Farraj (Stagg) at No. 5 singles and Tamera Farraj (Stagg) at No. 6 singles. They each went undefeated (4-0) in their respective positions in the Skyway to become All-Conference champs. At regionals, Tamera Farraj finished runner-up for singles play while she and Marietta placed second at No. 3 doubles.

“They wanted to win at regionals so bad,” Tomczak said. “I’m really happy with the twins and Sydney. They had a great attitude, were happy to be here and went far.”

The trio is expected to return next season while the Cyclones bid farewell to sophomores Aileen Casey (Lockport), who is studying nursing, and Zaina Daghash (Lockport) as well as Eliza Janik (Oak Lawn).

Tomczak came into the coaching position in the spring and traveled with the Cyclones to the national tournament in May, which they had qualified for in October 2024 with their previous coach. This fall completes her full run of the season, which she deemed a fun learning experience. She is in recruiting mode now and intends to build on what she’s learned to create an even stronger squad in 2026.

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.