Women's tennis readies for spring, picked second in the OAC

It's a whole new look for the Otterbein University women's tennis team as the Cardinals open their 2026 spring campaign on Saturday. A young but talented roster, paired with a new head coach, highlights the season ahead. During a condensed fall slate, Otterbein dropped its lone dual match while also competing in two non-scored events.

Following the graduation of five-time OAC Player of the Year Erin Storrer, Otterbein will reload under first-year head coach Marc Thomas. Juniors Breanna Ball, Caitlin Pennington, and Taryn Simmers step into leadership roles as the team's upperclassmen. In the OAC Preseason Poll released Friday morning, the Cardinals were picked to finish second in the league behind Ohio Northern, earning 13 points and one first-place vote.

Ball returns with the most experience after posting a 10–13 overall record in 2024–25. She and Pennington formed the No. 3 doubles pairing last season and are expected to take on larger roles this spring. Simmers brings additional veteran presence after finishing last year with a 7–8 overall record. Sophomore Daniela De Mata also returns after gaining valuable lineup experience as a freshman, while Niya Bell adds further depth to the roster. Thomas welcomes two newcomers expected to make an immediate impact in first-years Raina Smith and Molly Jones.

Otterbein opens the season Saturday with a 2 p.m. match at Kenyon College before returning home Friday, Feb. 13, to host Asbury alongside the men's program in the Cardinals' home opener.

OAC play begins April 8 with a matchup against Mount Union in Westerville. Otterbein will close the regular season with four straight conference matches, highlighted by the Battle for the Oar against Capital on April 22.

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Players Mentioned

Erin Storrer: Graduate Student

Breanna Ball: Junior

Niya Bell: Sophomore

Daniela De Mata: Sophomore

Caitlin Pennington: Junior

Taryn Simmers: Junior

Molly Jones: Freshman

Raina Smith: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Erin Storrer
: Graduate Student

Breanna Ball
: Junior

Niya Bell
: Sophomore

Daniela De Mata
: Sophomore

Caitlin Pennington
: Junior

Taryn Simmers
: Junior

Molly Jones
: Freshman

Raina Smith
: Freshman