WINFIELD, Kan. (AP) — The Southwestern College men's and women's tennis teams open their spring seasons Saturday as the Moundbuilders look to blend veteran leadership with an influx of new talent.
The men's team begins the 2026 campaign on the road, traveling to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to face John Brown University at 12 p.m.
Southwestern returns sophomore Connor Stampley and junior Drake Lowe to anchor the lineup. Both bring Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference experience and will serve as the veteran core for a squad looking to continue its development.
A group of freshmen — Victor Arias, Tyron Spears, Jackson Davis and Francesco Rocchelli — are set to make their collegiate debuts. The newcomers add depth and a fresh dynamic as the Moundbuilders aim to show improvement early in the season.
On the women's side, two juniors lead the way. Natalie Blaufuss and Rosennscar Elie return with experience and are expected to provide stability in the lineup.
The women's team also features three dual-sport freshmen in Kaitlyn Celmo, Chloe Patterson and J'ciana Strong. All three compete for Southwestern's volleyball program and bring added athleticism and versatility to the tennis roster.
Head coach Kathleen Percegona enters her first full season leading both programs after a rebuilding year in 2024. With a mix of returning experience and promising newcomers, Southwestern looks to take a step forward as the spring schedule gets underway.
