Western Carolina women's tennis players Mariya Dobreva and Axelle Van Beurden received postseason accolades from the Southern Conference (SoCon). Dobreva secured a second-team All-SoCon selection following a standout season, notching 10 singles victories. Van Beurden earned the prestigious Sportsmanship Award, marking a noteworthy achievement in her rookie year. Both players set a positive tone going into the conference championship match against Furman, despite recent struggles for the team.

By the Numbers
  • Mariya Dobreva recorded 10 singles wins this season, including a four-match winning streak in February.
  • Axelle Van Beurden participated in all 18 matches, achieving two singles victories.
State of Play
  • Western Carolina has lost their last nine matches, with a record of 2-17 overall and 0-7 in SoCon play.
  • Furman, ranked 68th in national standings, boasts a 15-4 overall record and enters the tournament on a seven-match winning streak.
What's Next

Western Carolina faces top-seeded Furman in the opening round of the SoCon championships. Should they advance, their next match will be against the winner of Wofford vs. Samford on Friday.

Bottom Line

Dobreva's and Van Beurden's honors reflect a bright future for Western Carolina women鈥檚 tennis, even as the team navigates a challenging season. The Catamounts aim to build on individual successes in the crucial SoCon championships, seeking their second straight postseason victory.