MACOMB, Ill. – The Ohio Valley Conference released its 2026 women's tennis preseason predicted order of finish, with Western Illinois slotted fourth following a vote of the league's head coaches.

The Leathernecks collected 24 points in the poll, finishing just behind Southeast Missouri (25) and SIUE (31). Bryant earned the top spot with 34 points, though the Bulldogs will not play a full conference schedule during the 2026 season while still competing at the OVC Championships.

Western Illinois returns a strong core highlighted by a pair of 2025 All-OVC Singles selections in juniors Richardlyne Francois and Chloe Routier, both of whom earned conference recognition a season ago. Francois also continues to draw league-wide attention, as senior Nour Gueblaoui was named one of the OVC's 2026 Players to Watch.

The Leathernecks' fourth-place prediction reflects the program's continued rise within the conference, bolstered by experienced returners and a roster poised to make an impact in both singles and doubles play this spring.

The 2026 OVC women's tennis season will culminate with the conference championships, where Western Illinois will look to exceed its preseason expectations and contend for a league title.

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