The Florida Atlantic University women’s tennis team is set to begin its 2026 home dual match season on Friday, January 30, facing Syracuse at the Kimberly V. Strauss Tennis Center in Boca Raton. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m.
This event marks the first home appearance for the Owls since their 2025 season concluded at the NCAA Tournament. The team has seen changes to its roster, with three players departing after last year’s campaign. Juniors Panna Bartha and Malwina Rowinska, along with sophomore Lara Smejkal—who currently holds a team-leading singles record of 2-1—will lead the squad this season.
Redshirt freshman Katrin Pavkova joins the lineup, holding a 3-1 overall record and standing at 1-1 in dual matches. Freshmen Malika Amirgaliyeva and Alexia Patru have also been added to the roster.
So far in 2026, FAU’s doubles teams have maintained perfect records. The pairs of Rowinska/Smejkal and Bartha/Pavkova are each undefeated at 3-0. Amirgaliyeva and Patru are seeking their first win as a doubles team.
FAU aims to even its all-time series against Syracuse at three wins apiece.
A special promotion will offer free pizza to fans attending the match.
Fans can follow updates about the team on X and Instagram @FAUWTennis.
