Temple University Athletics
Saturday, January 17
Richmond, Va.
12:00 PM
Temple University
vs
Northwestern
Women's Tennis Opens 2026 Spring Slate in Richmond with Matchups vs. Northwestern, VCU
1.16.26 | Women's Tennis
PHILADELPHIA – The Temple University women's tennis team is set to start its 2026 spring campaign with a pair of matches in Richmond, Va., against Northwestern and VCU.
SCOUTING TEMPLE
- Temple showcased depth throughout the fall, earning singles and doubles wins across multiple events, including the Villanova Invitational, Cissie Leary Invitational, and ITA Regionals.
- Thamara Kawaratani anchored the lineup with consistent success, going unbeaten in singles at the Cissie Leary Invitational and advancing to the ITA Regional main draw second round.
- Several Owls delivered key performances in tournament play, with Tianni Zhou, Irmak Ozturk, Nina Andreoni, Marianthi Christoforidou, and Aditi Vaidya all recording notable wins.
- The Owls closed the fall strongly at the Dragon Invitational, collecting 12 singles victories.
Scouting Northwestern
- Northwestern's women's tennis program is highlighted by first-year player Margot Phanthala. Phantala was named as a Big Ten Player to Watch following a fall campaign where she compiled a 6-2 singles record, highlighted by a win against the No. 10-ranked singles player in the nation.
- The Wildcats had a notably strong finish at the Notre Dame Invite, picking up 24 total victories between both singles and doubles action.
- Head Coach Clair Pollard is in her 27th season leading the Wildcats, putting together an impressive 534-196 overall record and finishing in the top ten in the ITA Rankings nine times.
Scouting VCU
- VCU returns the majority of its core heading into dual play, with the Rams boasting three Atlantic 10 first team selections in Tania Isabel Andrade Sabando, Mariam Ibrahim, and Sofia Jane Thorne.
- The Rams stood out over an invite hosted by William & Mary, finishing 13-7 over the weekend with sophomore Andrea Magallanes leading the charge posting a 4-0 singles record and 5-2 overall mark.
- Rifanty Kahfiani is in her second year leading the Rams. One of the youngest head coaches in the nation, the class of 2021 Oregon graduate was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year during her debut campaign, finishing with a 14-11 record.
For complete coverage of Temple Women's Tennis, follow the Owls on social media @TempleWTennis (Twitter), facebook.com/TempleWomensTennis (Facebook), @templewtennis (Instagram), or visit the official home of Temple University Athletics at owlsports.com. Please consider supporting Temple Women's Tennis with a donation by clicking here -> https://bit.ly/3ZKNIRw
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