Eastern Michigan Tennis Heads to Florida with Momentum
The Eastern Michigan University Eagles are set to continue their 2026 season with a pair of matches in Florida against Stetson University and the University of North Florida. Currently boasting a 9-3 record, the Eagles are looking to build on a recent come-from-behind victory and solidify their position as a strong contender in the Mid-American Conference.
Gritty Comeback Fuels Eagles’ Confidence
Eastern Michigan’s recent 4-3 win over Bradley showcased the team’s resilience. Trailing 3-1, the Eagles rallied to win the final three singles matches in three sets, demonstrating a mental fortitude that will be crucial as they head into their final non-conference contests. This victory highlights a trend of strong performances under Head Coach Ryan Kucera.
Kucera Era: A Home Court Advantage
Since Ryan Kucera took the helm in 2024, the Eagles have been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 24-2 record. This impressive run includes a perfect 11-0 mark in his debut season, a 10-2 record last year, and a 3-0 start in 2026. This home-court dominance represents a significant turnaround, as the team was 21-30 at home in the six seasons prior to Kucera’s arrival.
Doubles Play: A Key to Success
A consistent strength for the Eagles under Kucera has been their performance in doubles play. They’ve won 60.3% of doubles points since the start of the 2024 season. The team’s record demonstrates a clear correlation between winning the doubles point and overall match success: they are 28-7 when they secure the doubles point, and have won 10 consecutive matches when doing so.
Freshman Impact: Leading the Charge
The 2025-26 roster features a diverse group of players from eight countries and four continents. Notably, the four freshmen – Matilde Parreira, Pehal Kharadkar, Cylova Zuleyka Hukmasabiyya, and Sabrina Tolstova – have made an immediate impact, accounting for 44 of the team’s 58 singles wins. Parreira currently leads the team in overall wins with 24.
Looking Ahead: MAC Competition
Following the Florida trip, Eastern Michigan will shift its focus to Mid-American Conference play. They will open their MAC schedule against Northern Illinois University on March 13, before traveling to face University of Massachusetts on March 15.
Know the Opponents
Stetson University: The Eagles lead the all-time series against Stetson 6-2, with all previous matches played in DeLand, Florida. Their last meeting was in 2014, resulting in a Stetson victory.
University of North Florida: Eastern Michigan and North Florida have only met once before, in 2006, with North Florida winning 5-2.
FAQ
Q: What is Eastern Michigan’s current record?
A: 9-3 as of February 27, 2026.
Q: Where will the matches in Florida be played?
A: The match against Stetson will be in DeLand, Florida, and the match against North Florida will be in Jacksonville, Florida.
Q: How has Ryan Kucera impacted the team’s performance?
A: Under Kucera, the Eagles have significantly improved their home record and consistently won the doubles point, leading to overall success.
Did you know? Eastern Michigan’s 550th program victory occurred during the 4-2 win at St. Francis (Pa.) on January 24.
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