HICKORY, N.C. - Following one of the most successful seasons in Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Tennis history, the Bears have been picked to finish third in the SAC, as voted on by the conference coaches.
Last season head coach Sam Clark on the LR Women's Tennis team finished with an impressive 14-5 record, including a 9-3 mark in conference play. This was good enough for second in the SAC, the highest finish in school history. In addition to their conference prowess, they finished their season ranked 32nd in the country.
Reigning SAC Freshman of the Year
Runa Muderrisoglu was named to the Preseason All-SAC First Team singles list, while
Nellie Wahlberg was a Preseason Second Team singles honoree. On the doubles side, Muderrisoglu and
Claudia Orsini were one of just three doubles pairings to be named to the Preseason All-SAC First Team.
The Bears face off against Davidson and UNC Asheville next week in exhibition matchups before hosting Barton on Saturday, February 15th for their official spring opener. The first SAC matchup of the season is set to take place Saturday, February 22nd, when the Bears play host to Anderson.
2025 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Wingate - 143 points (11 first-place votes)
2. Catawba - 118 points (2 first-place votes)
3. Lenoir-Rhyne - 117 points
T4. Carson-Newman - 102 points
T4. Newberry - 102 points
6. Limestone - 87 points
7. Tusculum - 73 points
8. Anderson - 69 points
9. Coker - 68 points
10. Lincoln Memorial - 56 points
11. UVA Wise - 40 points
12. Emory & Henry - 22 points
13. Mars Hill - 17 points
