Women's Tennis | 5/2/2026 12:05:00 AM

The NEC announced its 2026 men's and women's tennis award winners Friday morning, as Saint Francis prepares to face Virginia in the NCAA Tournament first round. The Red Flash men's and women's teams combined for 10 honors.

On the women's side, sophomore Dasha Chichkina, senior Kelly Dowuona, and freshmen Helena Lynn, Emma Marais, and Gabriela Almanza were recognized. Sophomore Kevin Titus Suresh earned honors for the men's team. Head coach Eric Hovan was named NEC Women's Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Hovan led the Red Flash to 16 wins, including a perfect 7-0 record in March, and guided the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance after a second straight NEC Championship berth.

Suresh once again led the men's team in singles and doubles wins, posting a personal-best 20 wins and earning First Team All-NEC honors.

In her final season, Dowuona became the program's all-time leader in singles wins with 59. She finished 20-12 in singles and 23-12 in doubles, earning First Team All-NEC Singles and Second Team Doubles honors.

Chichkina remained one of the NEC's most consistent players, closing her sophomore season on a nine-match winning streak. She finished 21-12 in singles and 17-11 in doubles, earning First Team All-NEC honors in both for the second consecutive year.

Lynn made an immediate impact as a freshman, setting a program record with 28 wins this season. She also clinched the NEC Championship match against FDU and earned First Team Doubles and Second Team Singles All-Conference honors.

Almanza contributed in both singles and doubles, finishing 15-15 in singles and 23-11 in doubles alongside Dowuona, earning All-NEC recognition.

Marais played a key role in doubles, finishing 23-13 and helping secure the program's first ITA-ranked duo alongside Sophia Cunningham. The pair reached No. 84, and Marais earned Second Team All-NEC honors.