Syracuse women’s tennis is gearing up for an exciting start to the 2026 spring season this weekend. On Saturday at 11 a.m., the Orange will take on Cornell at Drumlins Country Club, followed by a match against Fordham on Sunday, also at 11 a.m.
Coaching Changes and Roster Overview
This marks the 12th season for head coach Younes Limam. He’ll be joined by new assistant coach Margarita Kotok, who will bring fresh energy to the team. The roster features 10 players: six who are returning and four newcomers.
Notable Returners
Junior Nelly Knezkova leads the team after a solid performance last season, primarily playing No. 2 singles. She achieved a 7-5 record during dual matches. Another key player, Serafima Shastova, had an impressive run last season with 12 singles wins and advanced to the finals in the ITA New England Regional Championships.
Sophomore Monika Wojcik made a splash in her debut, boasting a 12-4 singles record last season. Other returning players include seniors Constance Levivier and Anastasia Sysoeva, as well as sophomore Haram Kim.
Fall Performance
During the fall, Syracuse showcased its talent in various competitions. Knezkova and Sysoeva made it to the finals of the ITA New England Regional Championships, defeating ACC rivals before losing to Yale. They also performed well in the ITA East Sectional Championship.
Last Year’s Achievements
The Orange wrapped up last season with an even 11-11 record, beginning with a seven-match winning streak. Notable victories include a nail-biting 4-3 win against Florida State and an impressive road win over Louisville. In the ACC Tournament, they defeated Boston College and upset No. 9 seed Clemson before facing Georgia Tech.
Cornell and Fordham Matches
Looking ahead, Cornell enters Saturday’s match with a 13-8 record from last season, though they struggled in the Ivy League at 2-5. Junior Michelle Ryndin, a Second Team All-Ivy League pick, led the team last year.
On Sunday, Fordham is coming off a strong season with a 16-5 record. Their top player, Nevena Kolarevic, went undefeated last year in the top singles spot and has drawn attention as a key player in the A-10.
Syracuse has dominated the all-time series against Cornell, winning the last 10 matches. As the team steps onto the court this weekend, the excitement is palpable, and fans are eager to see how they perform.
