LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – D'Youville University athletics announced that women's tennis will become an associate member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference at the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year. D'Youville, along with Daemen University, will join the PSAC which will be comprised of 14 women's tennis programs at the start of the new season.
"We're excited to welcome Daemen University and D'Youville University as associate members," said PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray. "Following the addition of Jefferson University and Chestnut Hill University as men's tennis associate members last spring, this continued collaboration reflects the shared responsibility conferences have to work together to stabilize sport sponsorship, particularly in Olympic sports. These partnerships strengthen competitive schedules, championship opportunities, and the overall student-athlete experience in PSAC tennis."
The Saints are off to their best start since the 2021-22 season and the programs best start since becoming a full-fledge NCAA Division II member in the summer of 2023. DYU currently sits with a record of 3-1 with their lone loss coming against Queens University, who have the top-two ranked individual players in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association East Regional Rankings.
"This opportunity reflects the growth and competitiveness of D'Youville women's tennis and provides our student-athletes the chance to compete at the highest level," said Ona Halladay, Vice President for Athletics and Planning. "I want to sincerely thank the PSAC membership and Commissioner, Steve Murray, for extending this opportunity and for welcoming our program into an outstanding conference."
The growth has been evident throughout this season thus far, as D'Youville made their program debut in the ITA East Regional this past September where the team competed at the Billie Jean King USTA Tennis Center. While at the ITA East Regional,
Erika Ismailova made it to the round of 16 in singles play while the duo of
Munisa Ashurbekova and
Miranda Bosch made it to the round of 16 in doubles competition.
"I have great confidence in our Athletic Director Ona Halladay's leadership when it comes to the future and the long-term success and stability of our program," said women's tennis head coach
Sarah Marro. "The PSAC is a robust conference and I look forward to joining and continuing to elevate our tennis program to match the level of competition that the conference demands."
The team will resume their season in the spring semester as they travel to NCAA Division I opponent Binghamton University on Saturday, February 28th.
