KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Truman State University women's tennis enters the 2026 season looking to build on a solid fall foundation as the Bulldogs were picked fifth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference West Division preseason coaches' poll, receiving nine points.
The Bulldogs bring back a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen who gained valuable experience during the fall season, positioning themselves to compete in one of the conference's most competitive divisions.
Key Returners Lead the Way
Senior Sydney Dial returns to anchor the lineup after competing primarily at the No. 1 singles position during the fall. Dial posted a 2-4 record in dual matches while also partnering with sophomore Nayana Malangi in doubles, where the duo compiled a 4-2 record in dual competition and played primarily at the No. 1 doubles position.
Junior Alayna Dostal brings experience and versatility back to the roster after seeing action in both singles and doubles during the fall season. Her ability to compete at multiple positions will be valuable as the lineup continues to develop.
Sophomore Nayana Malangi returns after a solid fall campaign, posting a 2-4 record in dual singles matches at the No. 2 position while also excelling in doubles. Her partnership with Dial at the top of the doubles lineup showed promise and will be a key factor in the team's success.
Sophomore MaryGrace Seymour compiled a 3-2 record in dual singles matches during the fall, competing primarily at the No. 4 position. In doubles, Seymour partnered with classmate Finley Laforge to post a 3-2 record, demonstrating strong chemistry that will be crucial during conference play.
Sophomore Finley Laforge had a solid fall campaign, going 3-4 in dual singles matches at the No. 3 position. Her performance in doubles alongside Seymour showed consistent improvement throughout the fall season.
Sophomore Amelia Willing adds depth to the roster after gaining experience during the fall. Her continued development will be important for the team's overall success.
Junior Himari Maruyama returns to provide additional experience and depth to the lineup as the Bulldogs prepare for the spring championship season.
Freshmen Add Depth and Promise
The Bulldogs welcome a talented freshman class that showed encouraging signs during the fall season. Rachel Bivens made an immediate impact, posting a 3-2 record in dual singles matches while competing primarily at the No. 6 position. She also partnered with classmate Belle Daniels in doubles to gain valuable experience.
Belle Daniels had an impressive fall debut, compiling a 4-2 record in dual singles matches while playing at the No. 4 and No. 5 positions. Her performance in doubles was equally strong, posting a 3-2 record overall with multiple partners, showcasing her adaptability.
Leah Weisinger joins the program from Kenosha, Wisconsin, bringing additional depth and talent to the freshman class.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs face a challenging GLVC West Division slate, with Rockhurst unanimously picked as the division favorite after winning their first conference championship in program history last season. The Hawks return three First Team All-GLVC selections, including two-time GLVC Player of the Year Ella Coleman. Drury was picked second in the West, followed by Southwest Baptist and Quincy.
With a balanced roster featuring senior leadership from Dial, developing talent among the sophomore class, and promising freshmen who gained valuable fall experience, the Bulldogs are positioned to compete throughout the conference season. The team's depth and the experience gained during the fall will be crucial as they navigate the competitive GLVC West Division.
The championship portion of the season will begin in the spring as the Bulldogs look to climb the conference standings and make their mark in the GLVC. The Bulldogs will play a string of NAIA opponents on the road before opening up the spring season at home against Ottowa on March 17th at 3:00 PM.
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