Women's Tennis | 2/5/2026 11:50:00 AM
Saint Francis women's tennis was selected to finish second in the NEC preseason poll, the conference announced Tuesday.
Atop the poll was the unanimous No.1 spot for FDU. Behind the Red Flash were Le Moyne at No.3, LIU at No.4, and rounding out the top five was Wagner at No. 5.
NEC Preseason Coaches Poll
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FDU (unanimous)
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Saint Francis
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Le Moyne
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LIU
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Wagner
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Binghamton
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Stonehill
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Chicago State
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Mercyhurst
The Red Flash enters this season after finishing 16-8 last year, with a 7-1 record in conference play and a second-place finish in the conference final.
Saint Francis returns several key players from last year's senior lineup, alongside new additions who are already making an impact on the court. Notably, the underclassmen doubles team of sophomore Sophia Cunningham and freshman Emma Marais gained national recognition by being ranked as the 81st-best doubles team in Division I women's tennis by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association in November. Among the singles competitors, a key returner is Kelly Dowuona, the program's all-time leader in combined wins and singles matches. Additionally, freshmen Gabriela Almanza and Helena Lynn are players to watch; they currently lead the team in wins this season with a combined record of 20-17.
The Women's team is back in action this weekend as they open conference play against the Le Moyne Dolphins on Saturday, Feb.7, at the Gorilla House Gym in Altoona, Pa.
