The LSU women’s tennis team, ranked No. 5 nationally, began its 2026 season with a decisive 7-0 win over Northwestern State at the LSU Tennis Complex on Saturday. This victory marks the fourth consecutive season opener that LSU has won.
LSU now holds a 1-0 record, while Northwestern State starts its season at 0-1.
Head coach Taylor Fogleman commented on the team’s performance: “Really good start to our spring campaign. We had three ladies play their first collegiate match, which always comes with nerves and anticipation. But after they settled down after a few games in doubles, they acquitted themselves very well. We appreciated Northwestern State for coming down and playing us to start our season. I liked a lot of what I saw from our girls, but there are always things that can be improved on, which we certainly will need to do come Monday when we tangle with San Diego, a very talented team that is well coached.”
In doubles play, Kinaa Graham and Addison Lanton opened strong against Honolka Umeda and Lolita Hukasian with a 6-1 win. Florentine Dekkers and Ioana Sava secured the doubles point for LSU by defeating Athina Grigoriaou and Martina Acebedo 6-3 after overcoming several ties in the set. Kenna Erickson and Alexia Marginean followed with a 6-2 win over Pika Doberlet and Maria Farina.
A forfeit by Northwestern State on court six gave LSU an early singles point.
Freshman Alexia Marginean won her singles match against Hukasian convincingly (6-1, 6-1). Florentine Dekkers returned from injury to defeat Grigoriadou (6-1, 6-1) in straight sets. Kenna Erickson beat Acebedo (6-2, 6-0), while No. 78 Addison Lanton defeated Farina (6-1, 6-0). In another singles match, No. 81 Kinaa Graham overcame Doberlet; after winning the first set and leading in the second set, Doberlet retired due to injury.
LSU’s next match is scheduled for Monday, January 19th at home against San Diego.
Singles results included victories by Lanton (#78), Dekkers, Erickson, Graham (#81), Marginean, and Sava (by forfeit). Doubles wins were recorded by pairs Graham/Lanton; Erickson/Marginean; and Dekkers/Sava.
For updates on LSU women’s tennis activities and results throughout the season, fans can follow their official social media accounts.
