BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Augustana women's tennis team was picked to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the conference Thursday morning. 

The 15-time defending NSIC Champions have won 169 consecutive regular-season matches and have been picked to win the league every year since the preseason poll was inception in 2018. The Vikings amassed 100 points and 10 first-place votes after going 18-5 and 9-0 in the NSIC in 2025 while advancing to the NCAA National Tournament.

"I'm excited about this year's team as we have many strong girls returning from last year and we added two strong Senior transfers who will provide more depth for us.  We had a good Fall and the girls are pushing each other in practice and it's making everyone stronger.  We can't wait to get the season going!" said head coach Marc Kurtz. 

Maria Fiacan was picked as the Viking to watch this season – the senior transfer played at Southern Arkansas and UIndy. 

Kurtz continued, "Maria is a Senior transfer this year with good collegiate experience. She is an excellent athlete and works extremely hard in practice and the weight room. Maria had an excellent Fall and showed her potential. Maria has a very high ceiling and she is continuing to improve every day. We are excited to see what she can do this year!"

Fernanda Sandoval returns after being named NSIC Freshman of the Year last season, where she held a singles record of 17-2 and 13-4 in doubles. The Vikings also return Mia Garcia, Smilte Bakyte and Chelsea Seidewitz, who were named NSIC Second-Team.

The Vikings kick off non-conference action this weekend as it hosts Nebraska Kearney at Huether Match Pointe on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.