Women's Tennis Ranked 23rd in NAIA Women's Preseason Top 25 Poll

LEBANON, Tenn. - - The Cumberland women's tennis team will open the 2025-26 season ranked No. 23 in the NAIA Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll, marking the program's first appearance inside the national Top 25 in a preseason ranking in a number of years.

The Phoenix are coming off an 11-9 overall record and a 4-2 mark in conference play during the 2024 season, one that featured several ranked opponents and consistent performances across the lineup.

Last fall, Cumberland was listed among the teams receiving votes in the preseason poll, but this year's ranking reflects the program's steady climb and growing national respect.

Cumberland returns eight players, including five upperclassmen, highlighted by current and former All-Conference members Elina Sungatullina and Maria Arbelaez. This preseason ranking also matches the highest mark the Phoenix achieved last season, when they peaked at No. 23 in the final NAIA poll.

With experience, leadership, and depth throughout the roster, the Phoenix will look to build on that success and continue establishing themselves among the NAIA's top programs.

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Players Mentioned

Maria Arbelaez: 5' 6"; Senior

Elina Sungatullina: 5' 8"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Maria Arbelaez
: 5' 6"; Senior

Elina Sungatullina
: 5' 8"; Senior