No. 5 Tigers Begin 2026 Campaign After Elite Eight Run, Welcome Two Nonconference Matchups in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, La. | The LSU Tigers are set to launch their 2026 dual-match season at home this weekend, welcoming Northwestern State Demons and San Diego Toreros to the LSU Tennis Complex in a two-match opening homestand.
LSU will face Northwestern State on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1:00 p.m. CT, before hosting San Diego on Monday, Jan. 19, at noon CT, as the Tigers begin the year with one of the most anticipated seasons in program history.
Momentum Builds Under Taylor Fogleman
Now in his fourth season, head coach Taylor Fogleman has guided LSU to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a school-record 10 SEC regular-season victories last spring. The Tigers enter 2026 aiming to turn last season’s breakthrough into sustained national contention.
LSU’s home court has been a major advantage under Fogleman. The Tigers finished 11–2 at home last season and captured the crucial doubles point in 21 matches, setting the tone early in dual competition.
Brace, Cross Lead a Nationally Elite Core
Brace earned SEC Freshman of the Year and ITA National Rookie of the Year honors in 2025, climbing as high as No. 8 nationally in singles. Cross joined her on the All-SEC team, while the Canadian duo rose to No. 3 in the ITA doubles rankings. Both players finished the year as All-Americans in doubles, with Brace also earning All-American singles recognition.
Freshman Class Adds International Firepower
LSU’s 2026 roster also features a highly touted and internationally diverse freshman class. German standout Carolina Kuhl arrives in Baton Rouge with professional experience, holding career-high WTA rankings of No. 391 in singles and No. 617 in doubles.
British newcomer Ella McDonald brings additional star power, boasting career-best rankings of No. 352 in singles and No. 161 in doubles on the WTA Tour. Illinois freshman Addison Lanton, along with Romanian standouts Alexia Marginean and Ioana Sava, adds depth and versatility to the lineup.
Marginean closed the fall ranked No. 41 nationally in doubles with junior Kinaa Graham, while Lanton finished the fall ranked No. 78 in singles.
Experienced Returners Round Out the Lineup
Junior Kinaa Graham and fellow returner Kenna Erickson provide additional experience and consistency. Graham recorded six singles wins with multiple ranked victories last season, while Erickson earned 12 overall wins and six SEC singles victories, finishing the year ranked No. 74 nationally in doubles.
Scouting the Opposition
Northwestern State arrives in Baton Rouge after a 10-win season in 2025 and a trip to the second round of the Southland Conference Tournament. LSU holds a commanding 23–1 all-time record against the Demons, marking the first meeting between the programs since 2020.
San Diego enters the matchup following an 11-win season last year and a 5–2 victory over UC San Diego earlier this week. The Tigers lead the all-time series 5–1, including a 5–2 win over the Toreros last season.
Statement Weekend Ahead
With national expectations at an all-time high, LSU’s opening weekend offers an early opportunity to reinforce its place among college tennis’ elite. A strong start at home could set the tone for a season in which the Tigers are chasing not just milestones—but championships.
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