Women’s Tennis | 11/28/2025 1:01:00 PM


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Saint Francis University women’s tennis doubles team of Sophia Cunningham (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mount Lebanon) and Emma Marais (Lodi, Calif./Vista Oaks Charter) have earned a national ranking through the International Tennis Association for the first national ranking in program history. The tandem sits 81st in the country and is the only NEC duo in the rankings.

“It’s a tremendous accomplishment for Sophia and Emma as well as for the entire team,” said women’s tennis head coach Eric Hovan. “They have great chemistry together, and they play with a lot of energy and really feed off of each other. It’s tough playing a team with two lefties, especially one that serves really well and takes over the net. Over the fall, the doubles teams were victorious against Army and Buffalo, the MAC champion. This proves that we can be competitive in doubles against anyone if we continue to trust ourselves and control the middle.” 

The duo has been dominant on the court, serving up a 6-1 record and ending the fall season on a high note with four straight wins.  Cunningham and Marais went 4-1 in tournament play and 2-0 in dual matches together.

“I feel it validates all the work our girls and coaches have put into our program,” said Hovan. “Our goal is to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and ITA Cup. This is an excellent step in realizing that potential. “

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