LATHAM, N.Y. - The women’s tennis is set to begin the spring portion of its season as teams begin to compete this weekend. A total of 11 teams will be on the hunt to be crowned conference champions with Penn State Harrisburg attempting to defend its 2024 title.
The postseason begins April 26th and will conclude with the Championship FInal on May 4. That Final will be held at the Hempfield Rec Center in Landisville, Pa.
Find the full schedule here: WOMEN’S TENNIS SCHEDULE
Penn State Harrisburg (2023-24 Record: 15-7, 5-0 UEC)
Eight All-Conference players and a Championship crown was the bounty from last year for Penn State Harrisburg and the Lions are poised to run it back in 2025. Head Coach Andrew Bookman enters his second year at the helm and he has scheduled York, Gettysburg and Dickinson in hopes to prep his team for conference play. Allison Wootton will return after a phenomenal first season, capturing both Rookie and Player of the Year honors in the Volt Division. Her doubles partner, Breanna DeSantis, also returns to the courts as the team looks to repeat their First Team nod from last season.
Coach’s Outlook: “We are looking forward to having a fun season and hoping that the weather warms up soon! WE ARE!”
Cairn University (2023-24 Record: 12-3, 4-0 UEC)
Cairn had a tremendous first season in the new United East, winning their Division before falling in the Championship Crossover Final. Gregg Fanus hopes to repeat that success and more in his second year as head coach as he was tabbed the Divisional Coach of the Year last season. He will have Reagan Griffith back who claimed both Rookie and Player of the Year honors as she went a perfect 8-0 in league matches in 2024. Sophomore Laney Boutin will also look to pitch in as she went 10-1 in singles play last season.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland (2023-24 Record: 9-6, 4-1 UEC)
St. Mary’s College is always a force on the tennis court and this year spells no different. The 2024 Coach of the Year, Sona Brymer, will be in her fifth year as the head coach and has scheduled opponents such as Catholic, York (PA) and Marymount to help the team prepare for a tough conference schedule. Cleopatra Solomon wowed her freshman season, posting a record of 10-2 in singles while earning a spot on the All-Conference First Team. Amber Manspeaker provides some senior leadership as well as she claimed six victories last year. Newcomer Sarah Levit has also showed promise as she headed the second singles slot during the fall season.
Coach’s Outlook: “The team is looking great this season! We have a lot of new players and I'm looking forward to seeing what they accomplish this season. Our returners have been essential to the team's success and will continue to contribute. I can't wait to see where the team goes this year! Let's Go Hawks!
Notre Dame of Maryland University (2023-24 Record: 4-6, 3-1 UEC)
The Gators have plenty of returning talent this season and are hoping that will lead to a big playoff push come early May. Andre Ervin enters his third year as the head coach and has scheduled early season matches against Hood and Neumann to prime the squad for conference action. Tam Truong will play a large role in the lineup after taking home First Team All-Conference accolades in both singles and doubles last season. Renee Rosales will also pitch in as she made the All-Conference First Team in singles play and the Second Team in doubles play.
Lancaster Bible College (2023-24 Record: 7-11, 3-2 UEC)
Lancaster Bible returns a healthy roster after earning a bid to the Championship in 2024. Devon Clemmer is in his second year as head coach and the team already has a win under its belt as they downed Mount St. Mary (NY) in the fall. He hopes to continue priming his team with the likes of York in March and Lycoming in early April. A trio of juniors will help lead the Chargers including Jania Weist who has earned a spot on the All-Conference Second Team in both of the last two years. She’ll be aided by Sierra Hartmann and Natalie Hoover, who both collected a Second Team All-Conference nod in doubles last season.
Coach’s Outlook: “I am excited for this group to continue to push and grow in their games and faith. These ladies are driven to play at a high level and are making strides to reach their goals!”
Penn State Abington (2023-24 Record: 5-11, 2-3 UEC)
Penn State Abington is looking to surprise in 2025, already doing so with two wins against opponents they fell to in 2024. Matt Levy will be back to coach the squad and has lined up some strong opponents including Southern Virginia, Albright and DeSales, to help his team get ready for conference play. There is plenty of veteran leadership on the squad including 2024 All-Conference First Teamer, Laurie Flemming who held down the top flight on the squad last season with a record of 11-4. Isabella DePorre will join Flemming in the First Doubles position and both have been tabbed as captains. Rounding out the veterans is Soniyah Youngblood, who will be featured at the fourth single and second doubles slots.
Coach’s Outlook: "It was a strong start in the fall by defeating two teams we lost to last year and I'm excited to see how we progress as we aim for a return trip to the conference playoffs."
Bryn Athyn College (2023-24 Record: 8-8, 2-2 UEC)
Bryn Athyn earned the three seed in the Championship last season but are looking to move up the ladder in 2025 with plenty of new talent. Hannah Hausen will be in her fourth year directing the program and will rely on Thea Keal for some veteran leadership. Keal earned All-Conference accolades during the 22-23 season.
Coach's Outlook: "As we embark on our upcoming season we embrace the opportunity to grow new talent. I have no doubt that Thea will be an excellent leader for our young team."
Penn State Brandywine (2023-24 Record: 7-11, 3-2 UEC)
After a tough 23-24 season, Penn State Brandywine is looking to bounce back in 2025 with some new talent on the roster. Ray Strunk enters his first year as head coach and has added Immaculata and Neumann to the schedule in order to prepare the Nittany Lions for conference play. Samma Zahran will be one of those players he will look to lead the squad as she has already earned a United East weekly award this fall.
Coach’s Outlook: “Sophomore standout Samma Zahran will lead the Penn State Brandywine women's tennis team through their first season as an NCAA DIII team. She is looking to make her mark as on of the top players in the United East Conference this spring.
Penn College (2023-24 Record: 2-9, 2-5 UEC)
The Wildcats had a slow fall but are looking to heat things up come spring season. David Straub enters his second year at the helm and has scheduled matches against King’s and Division II Lock Haven to help ensure his squad is ready for conference play. The Wildcats will rely on Ellen Buckley, who has held down the top flight spot for a number of years. Lauren Peck will command the second flight while Faith Murray will sit in the third flight.
Coach’s Outlook: “Looking to do a little better this year . Some returnees and a couple promising new players.”
Penn State Berks (2023-24 Record: 0-5, 1-11 UEC)
Penn State Berks has already matched its win total from just a year ago as the team took home a win in the fall season. Angel Negron will begin his second year as the head coach of the squad and is hoping to expand that win total even more come spring. The team is largely made up of first years but Jules Lesher and Kiara Altine return to provide some valuable experience.
Cedar Crest College (2023-24 Record: 0-4, 1-12)
The Falcons graduated three key players but are excited for the returners to step into their new roles and for the first years to prove themselves. Aidan Evans Gartley will be in his second year coaching the squad and has added Kean at the end of the regular season for a hopeful tune up prior to the Championship. Grace Niemann went 9-1 in singles play last season, earning her a spot on the All-Conference Second Team. Grace Huff also returns after earning an All-Conference doubles nod in her freshman year.
Coach’s Outlook: “We are in a rebuilding season after graduating 3 players last year which will be an opportunity for returning players to take on different roles than they were in last year. We are looking forward to the season and looking for positive outcomes throughout the season.”